The world of cider is changing forever this week, as we launch Graff, the UK’s first ever co- fermented hybrid of beer and cider to be made by cidermakers.
When it comes to cider, we feel it is high time to stop playing by the rules that leaves cider lagging behind others categories. So, 2018 is going to be the year that we stand up as the saviours of the cider industry. Graff is an embodiment of just that, a unique, improbable marriage of beer and cider that defies all conventions and parameters.
Made on-site in our London cidery, this new addition to our core range has been skilfully created to push our own understanding of cider, moving it into new and exciting places. Braeburn and Bramley apples are fermented with a caramelised and malty beer wort, with American Ale and Sauvignon Blanc yeasts added to create the complexity in the liquid.
Graff will be officially unveiled to the trade and drinkers on Thursday 22nd February at Craft Beer Rising. We will also be launching at our Taproom on Saturday, 24th where we will be offering free cans to the first 100 customers
Announced today after more than six months of concept and development, Graff was inspired by our Stateside visits to cider maker and brewer friends. We’ve made it a reality thanks to a combination of our unique approach and passion for cider making, alongside our Chief Cider Maker’s brewing heritage and artistry.
Graff is also set to feature in our exciting upcoming collaboration range, as we work with leading UK and global craft brewers in a series of special one-off partnerships in Graff style.
The liquid is currently available in our Taproom both on draft and in our 330ml can, whilst customers can also purchase it online at www.wearehawkes.com/shop. Drinkers will also be able to sample the Graff in the leading edge Barworks sites .
Simon Wright, Chief Hawker, Hawkes says:
“I’m extremely proud to unveil our Graff today, the latest addition to our family. I believe this is a landmark day for cider, and proof of what the industry can achieve when we push ourselves to innovate. The Graff defines the very purpose of Hawkes which is to challenge ourselves to create industry leading liquids , then take it to the masses, defining a new genre of cidermaker . 2018 is going to be a hugely exciting year for the whole team at Hawkes, and this is the first step of our mission to save the UK cider market from itself.”
About Graff:
- Style: Co-Fermented hybrid of cider & beer
- Apples: Braeburn and Bramley
- Hops: Amarillo and Cascade
- Yeast: American Ale and Sauvignon Blanc X5
- Size: 330ml can and keg
- ABV: 5.4%
- Price: £3.00 per can, £10.00 for a case of four
Graff is the latest exciting to our range of craft ciders, made on-site in our unique urban cidery. It joins our hero Urban Orchard, available in both Apple and Mixed Berry, Elephants on Ice Winter Cider, and our single variety special, Soul Trader. The range also includes our eponymous Alcoholic Ginger Beer.
Tasting Notes, provided by Roberto Basilico, Chief Cider Maker, Hawkes:
“The blend of hops gently opens the nose to the aroma of crusty bread. Combining the maltiness of grains with the sharpness of fruit, it delivers an intense mouthfeel evoking memories of continental beer, against the subtle sweetness of pure apple juice.”
For more information, visit www.wearehawkes.com
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Hawkes Cidery & Taproom, 92 Druid Street, London, SE1 2HQ
Contact: donald@wearehawkes.com / 078162 79101
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- Graff is available in the following Barworks sites:
- The Black Heart, The Diner, Electricity Showrooms, Well and Bucket, The Exmouth Arms, The Slaughtered Lamb, Two Floors, The Griffin, Wenlock & Essex, The Earl of Essex, 5CC Cocktail Club, The Kings Arms, Harrild & Sons, The Three Johns, Singer Tavern, The Commercial Tavern, Fountain & Ink, The Mermaid
- About Hawkes:
- Born and raised in London, since 2012 we’ve made craft ciders and ginger beers filled with true heart and soul.
- Hawkes Cidery & Taproom:
- Opening Hours:
- Wednesday: 4pm – 11pm
- Thursday: 4pm – 11pm
- Friday: 4pm – 11pm
- Saturday: 11am – 11pm
- Sunday: 11pm – 6pm
- Opening Hours:
- Cidery Production Details:
- First automatic commercial apple press in London, featuring German engineering
- 1.2 tonne per hour apple press
- Automated tipper and washer/mill
- Cider Tanks:
- 2 x 12,000 litre tanks
- 6 x 5,000 litre tanks
- Automated Romfill crossflow filter
- Automated keg filling and washing
- Taproom:
- 12 draught lines for keg and bag-in-box
- 50 different ciders from all over the world
- Urban Orchard cider:
- Made from a unique blend of London-pressed and country apples, Urban Orchard is a medium dry cider that’s smooth and harmonious in body, complex and rich in texture with a crisp wine like finish.
- 4.5% ABV. Available in draft or 330ml bottles
- Hawkes Ginger Beer:
- Hawkes Ginger Beer uses natural ginger, mandarin and kiwi, so it’s fruity and refreshing with a real ginger bite.
- 4% ABV. Available in 500ml or 330ml bottles and 330ml cans