Somerset Cider Brandy Co.

Somerset cider brandy comes with a fair bit of history. In the 1500s, it was distilled in secret, due to puritanical attitudes across the country. The drink saw a resurgence in the 1660s and was fully established by 1710! However, later in the 1700s Somerset cider brandy was lost once again, around the same time William of Orange brought over cheap gin and whisky. But, like a phoenix made of distilled cider, it rose from the ashes some 300 years later! The Somerset Cider Brandy Company began the process of legally reintroducing this spirit to the UK in 1984, with Julian Temperley beginning the long process of obtaining the UK’s first full cider-distilling license. In 1989 with the arrival of the first still, Josephine, Somerset Cider Brandy began to be produced commercially. In 1993 Josephine was joined by Fifi, a smaller still. Interestingly, at present the use of the term Cider Brandy is not allowed in EU/UK law except for Somerset Cider Brandy. Pretty unique.