What started as a joke between friends has ended with Scott Sullivan from Neath being invited to Thatchers’ famous Myrtle Farm in Somerset for a personal surprise from fourth‑generation cidermaker Martin Thatcher — and the official return of Redwood, a much‑missed limited‑edition cider that disappeared from shelves years ago.
Scott’s posts calling for Redwood’s comeback gathered unexpected momentum online, drawing in cider lovers across Wales and the West Country. The campaign caught the attention of Thatchers themselves, who decided to bring the small‑batch favourite back as part of this year’s Cider Barn range.
A fan campaign that actually worked
Scott says he first fell in love with Redwood during a farm tour back in 2018, when he and a group of friends tried the oak‑aged cider for the first time. When it quietly vanished from the range, they never stopped talking about it — and eventually Scott launched a playful online push to bring it back.
The joke turned into a movement, and the movement turned into a result.
Thatchers invited Scott back to Myrtle Farm, where the campaign had first taken root, and surprised him with a case of the newly released Redwood — handed over by Martin Thatcher himself.
Martin Thatcher, fourth‑generation cidermaker, said:
“We were genuinely moved by the enthusiasm and nostalgia surrounding Redwood. Scott’s campaign reminded us of the special place this cider holds in people’s memories. With the apple varieties being so delicious in this year’s harvest, bringing it back felt like the right way to honour that passion.”
‘Surreal’ moment for Neath superfan
Scott Sullivan said:
“Redwood was the cider that made me fall in love with Thatchers. We instantly fell in love with its oak‑aged depth and delicate sweetness. I launched the campaign partly as a joke, but underneath it was a genuine love for something that brought us joy. To be invited back to Myrtle Farm and surprised by Martin Thatcher himself was surreal.”
He said he was “grateful” the company not only listened but brought the cider back “in such a thoughtful way”.
Redwood returns as part of exclusive Cider Barn range
Redwood, a 6% ABV golden cider matured in 150‑year‑old oak vats and infused with oak chips, is known for its rich character and subtle vanilla aroma. It returns alongside Grenadier and Tremletts in this year’s Cider Barn releases.
The small‑batch bottles are available exclusively from the Thatchers Cider Shop at Myrtle Farm and online.
Martin Thatcher added:
“As Scott will attest, the Cider Barn range makes a perfect gift for cider lovers or a special treat for those who love to try something new.”
