A SUCCESSFUL cider maker has launched two new cider liqueurs – the first of their kind in Scotland.

Thistly Cross Cider has already impressed cider fans globally with its range of eight flavours.

Now, it has branched out to create two new cider liqueurs, with just 600 bottles of each flavour – traditional and Scottish fruits – produced.

Peter Stuart, Thistly Cross founder and cider artist, was delighted with the latest additions to the Thistly family.

He said: “What we deliver with Thistly Cross cider is naturally sweet deliciousness from real fruit.

“It’s exciting to bring that expertise to the liqueurs category, which often heroes sweet fruitiness, and deliver that in an original, authentic way using cider as the base.”

Both liqueurs are blended with the cider maker’s real fruit, slow-fermented ciders, which are matured for at least six months for a rich, fruity flavour and smooth finish.

Traditional Cider Liqueur is blended with Thistly Cross apple cider, with an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of 20 per cent.

A spokesman for the business, based near Dunbar, said: “It’s a richly warming, golden apple cider liqueur, delicious sipped on its own or lengthened with ginger ale or Thistly Cross Ginger Cider to dial up the fiery undertones.

“Scottish Fruits Cider Liqueur is blended with the new Thistly Cross Scottish Fruits cider, a lip-smacking combination of real British elderflowers, blackcurrants, strawberries and apple cider.

“At 20 per cent ABV it’s a fruity delight on its own or can be lengthened with elderflower pressé or Thistly Cross Elderflower Cider.”

Thistly Cross Cider was formed in 2008 by Mr Stuart, a former artist and glassblower, and farmer Ian Rennie.

The liqueurs can be bought in 50cl bottles with a presentation box from the company’s website, www.thistly crosscider.co.uk