If beer's enjoyed a bit of a renaissance in the past couple of decades, then it's fair to say that cider has enjoyed a bit of a revival too.

And while for some committed beer drinkers, the thought of cider brings back stomach-churning memories of two-litre bottles of cider downed outside school discos, the reality is that the "craft" ethos has touched cider makers, or cideries, around the world, even in Scotland.

Thistly Cross, based down on the south-eastern coast at Dunbar, have been around since 2008 when farmer Ian Rennie teamed up with cider-loving artist Peter Stuart. In the seven years since they’ve gone from slogging through farmers’ markets to more recently signing some hefty supermarket deals and picking up a clutch of awards on the way. Like the best breweries, Thistly Cross focus on quality production methods and ingredients: their apples - locally sourced - are pressed, a Champagne yeast added, and the ciders themselves are matured for up to six months, helping to give the finished drink the smooth, rounded flavours the cidery is known for.

Thistly Cross’s offering is complemented by a few other cideries and adventurous breweries. Loch Ness Brewery now have their own cider sideline, while one of Drygate Brewery’s core beers is the unusual the hybrid apple ale Outtaspace (benefiting from the brewery’s co-ownership with Magners and Bulmers parent C&C).

East of Perth, wine-maker Cairn o’ Mohr also offer a couple of ciders, while in Dumfries and Galloway, Waulkmill offer a range of ciders – try the seasonal Spiced Apple Punch if you can find it. These are joined by newcomer Clyde Cider, a community-led venture that has its origins in Glasgow’s orchards.

And with autumn drawing to a close, many of Scotland’s cideries will be crying out for apples, so if you’ve had a bumper harvest and some of your crop is going spare it might be worth contacting Thistly Cross or Clyde Cider to see if you can exchange them for a few bottles …

SIX GREAT THISTLY CROSS CIDERS

Original (6.2%)

Light, sparkling and smooth, the fruity sweetness here is more royal gala than Granny Smith and is balanced by a delicate white wine tartness.

Traditional (4.4%)

An easy-drinking and fruity cider with a medium body and a dominating syrupy sweetness. An understated tartness creeps in towards a refreshing and nourishing finish that will quench the driest of drouths.

Whisky Cask (6.9%)

It's not just brewers who have the handle on whisky or bourbon barrel ageing. Thistly Cross have aged their cider in Glen Moray casks - the dry apple sweetness is complemented by a gentle caress of vanilla, wood and, unsurprisingly, whisky that builds towards the finish while never overpowering the fruity flavours. Lovely.

Strawberry (4%)

With a nose of strawberry jam and reddish tint, you're in no doubt what the dominant flavour is here. Notes of apple, as well as some apricot and candyfloss, do come through providing a sweet, satisfying finish that still has a bit of bite.

Ginger (4%)

A cracking ginger cider with a pungent aroma that's softer and less spicier than your standard ginger beer. Though it reeks of the spice, it's far less overpowering to drink than the nose would have you thinking.

Elderflower (4%)

Floral and zesty, Thistly Cross's elderflower variation has a nose of citrus and apples, with the former helping to bring out notes of pear and summer meadows.