A LOW-alcohol cider made in Cornwall has won an international award in an 'alternative drinks' category. 

Rattler Zero has been recognised as the world’s best low-alcohol cider as it was awarded Gold in this year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).

With over 800 entries to the “Alternative Drinks” category, Rattler Zero scored 95 points after being blind tasted by a panel of industry judges. The product was the highest scoring low alcohol cider in the highly prestigious competition.

Commenting on Rattler Zero, the judges tasting notes nodded to the cider’s “lightweight, refreshing and fruity” style, complimenting it as being “elegant, fine-tuned and finessed, with a lovely balanced sweetness”.

Based in Cornwall and known best for the brand Rattler, the independent cider-makers, Healeys, introduced Rattler Zero to the market two years ago, following the increase in demand for low and no alcohol drinks.

Joe Healey, Managing Director, trading at Healeys said: “To get an accolade like this for Rattler Zero, a product that sits in an incredibly competitive market, is testament to our hunger to disrupt and innovate within the industry.

"We’ve created a unique fermentation process to produce this 0.5% cider which is under a pending patent – this development is just one example of our commitment to pushing boundaries using pioneering methods.

"With this process, and Rattler Zero becoming one of our hero products, we’re continuing to improve and develop our techniques to encourage productivity and growth, in line with market demand.

"It’s an exciting yet challenging time to be a growing brand within the drinks industry, and we’re looking forward to seeing what’s to come!”

Healeys has recently made a £5m investment into its production infrastructure and onsite visitor experience.