Abrahalls AV

Great nose on this cider, it even boasts the same on the back label on the bottle. Giving it a good sniff you’ll get hints of cinnamon and honey and a touch of orange peel zest and lots of fruity goodness. The colour is golden bronze and looks almost perfect in your glass. There’s a nice bit of fizz to this as well making each sip worthwhile. It’s a dry cider lending itself to the medium side of the see-saw as there’s quite a whack of sweetness, but it does taste natural and not manufactured. The body is medium to full. The taste has a decent level of complexity with some toffee notes and caramel hints. The length is satisfying and of a medium disposition - filling the mouth and palate with apple loveliness from sip to swallow and with a lovely aftertaste that isn’t as tannic as the label would lead you to believe. At 6.0%aABV you could have more than one and I’m actually disappointed that I don’t have another bottle to enjoy. I would highly recommend this cider and would love to try the expansion of the range available. I’d have given it 5/5 if it wasn’t quite as sweet as it is. I’m being harsh though, this is a really decent and solid cider and I’d high recommend it.

Abrahalls AV Vintage Cider (6.0% ABV, 500ml). Crafted from regional Dabinett, Yarlington Mill and Harry Masters cider apples from the company's orchards. No additives other than sulphite. Clear bright golden colour, with a tiny white head. Aroma of sweet apples, floral notes, wee hints of honey and tannins. Medium to full body, soft carbonation. Slightly oily. Initial flavour of moderately sweet ripe apples, honey, some cane sugar, some vinegar, mild tannins. More tart and tannic, as well as more vinegary, in the finish. Dry aftertaste of tannins, apple cores, with a slight, sweet honey note remaining. Perfectly balanced cider with some depth, a lot of body and texture. Another excellent product from Celtic Marches 9/10.