Following the success of the limited edition cider in 2013, the two producers decided to make it an ongoing release.
"It was so well received we decided we wanted to regularly release a vintage," Willie Smith's co-owner Sam Reid said.
The second release is from the 2014 vintage and has undergone longer maturation than the first, with the final blend combining ciders aged from six to twelve months in Lark Distillery whisky barrels.
The additional maturation has resulted in a higher ABV (9.9%), which is what prompted Willie Smith's and Lark Distillery to make the 2014 Barrel Aged Cider a winter release.
"We felt it was a better product to have going into winter to warm the cockles of your heart as the first chills of the season set in," Reid said.
"It has also allowed the product to continue to soften in bottle in our controlled environment and so it's perfect for drinking in the next six months."
The cider is well-balanced and has soft apple cider characteristics and persistent whisky and oak notes.
"Soft carbonation and no filtration has resulted in a structured cider with textured mouthfeel and lingering warmth," chief cider maker at Willie Smith's, Dr. Tim Jones added.
There are 400 bottles of the 2014 vintage available to retail and this year's release features a copper label. Recommended retail price is $60.
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