200 Special Edition

Produced for the 200th anniversary of Sheppy's starting in business in 1816. Pale yellow in colour, with the aroma of leather, oil, and brass, like old machinery. The flavour is initially mellow, buttery apple, with a little tartness and bitterness creeping into the aftertaste, alongside the softest of tannins. As might be expected from a special edition, Sheppy's have produced a sophisticated and complex cider, with a nod to tradition and their history. Very drinkable, indeed.

Nice well rounded cider. Light in colour with light carbonation. Very similar to the vintage but with slightly mellow flavours as it hasn't been conditioned in oak vats. The slightly lower ABV is a blessing as it means you can drink more. On the pleasant side of sweet.

Had this one ice cold. Lovely. Apple/Caramel taste, really different. Amber/gold in colour, very light fizz and medium-full bodied with a long palate and very, very smooth aftertaste (which is when the faint caramel kicks in - a pleasant sweetness). I’d say this was medium - neither dry, or totally sweet. You can taste a hint of oak as well. Faintly earthy on the nose. Really pleasant drinking, this one - if it had a bit more fuller flavour and kick, I might go for 5 stars, but for now it’s a very highly recommended 4/5. And at 5%ABV, it’s not going to knock you into oblivion either. David Sheppy is a 6th generation cider maker, so who am I to argue. I’ll buy this again.

Clear, golden, not too carbonated, refreshing but prefer something more robust in winter.

Sheppy's "200" (5% ABV, 500ml). First produced for the company's 2016 anniversary, the "200" has remained part of the cidery's core range. Made from an unmentioned variety of regional cider apples, without sugar or any other flavours or colourings, but - of course - with sulphite. Bright, pale-ish yellow golden colour, no head. Aroma is ripe yellow, very mildly tart apples, leather, and maybe a hint of farmhouse funk. Light to medium body, mild carbonation. First taste is medium-dry, tart apples, mild vinegar, floral notes, apple skins. A mild fruity sweetness arrives a bit later. Finish is dry, with some tannins, maybe wood. Weak, mildly bitter aftertaste, again with hints of wood and lemon. For a 200-year anniversary cider, this is pretty mundane. Easy to drink, but in no way memorable. No lasting impression, as with too many Sheppy's ciders. 6.5/10.

A well-rounded mature cider that ticks all the boxes for me. A mellow, smooth, rich oak flavour with soft tannins makes this very drinkable and an absolute pleasure.

Better than a 4 but not quite a 5. Liked it a lot. Low carbonation.

Light golden colour, clear with low ish fizz. Woody oak aroma. Oak in the flavour. Smooth, deep and rich.