Expert's verdict:6/10 ?I am not convinced by the thought of a real-ale brand supporting a traditional oak-aged cider. The real-ale heritage doesn't translate into branding for the younger, modern drinker. The liquid is very sound, but at 6% abv, may be a step too far for the disaffected alcopop drinker. That said, I am sure it will sell through summer. The packaging is excellent and retailers will be able to run cross-category repertoire deals throughout the trade. No doubt we will see Green Goblin on supermarket shelves but it's not for Musgrave Budgens Londis (MBL). John Taylor, head of buying, impulse, MBL Consumer's verdict:7/10 ?I like the bottle design - it looks like a premium product, but I'm not completely sure about the label. It's a bit comic-book and wouldn't attract me to the product. The drink itself is excellent, however. It is very fresh and you can really taste the fruit. It is not too fizzy and, although it has a high alcohol content at 6%, it does not feel heavy or overpowering. It is definitely more refreshing than ale, lager and some of the other ciders on the market and I can see myself drinking this on a hot summer day. At £1.69 the price is reasonable but I think it might need to be on offer to draw me in. Kevin Shah, entrepreneur, Brighton A year down the line... tutti cassis Company: lejay-lagoute Launch price: £8.50 to £9.99 Today's price: £8.50 to £9.99 Acid test verdict: 2 stars Intended to reinvent cassis for modern drinking trends, this was described as having a low sugar content. Aimed at young women, it was promoted as a mixer, to be drunk with vodka, lemonade or tonic. No major multiple has picked it up yet but it has done well in specialist off-licences, wholesalers and throughout the on-trade, where the company is now concentrating its marketing efforts.

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