Flare (newer 4.6% version previously 4.9%)

Flare tries to position itself as a “balanced and easy-going modern cider, but it ends up feeling a bit underwhelming. On the plus side, it has a pleasant apple aroma and a clean, lightly sparkling profile that makes it easy to drink. There’s a mild sweetness with a hint of fruitiness, and it’s not overly harsh or overly dry, which some casual cider drinkers might appreciate. Unfortunately, that’s also where the issues start. The flavour is fairly weak and lacks depth—nothing really stands out or develops as you drink it. It comes across as thin, with low carbonation and not much acidity or bitterness to give it structure. The result is a cider that feels a bit bland and forgettable rather than refreshing or characterful. The aftertaste has a slight fruity tang, but it doesn’t linger in a satisfying way, and overall it feels like it’s missing both punch and personality. Drinkable, but uninspiring. If you want something light and inoffensive, it works—but there are far better ciders out there with more body and flavour.

Amber coloured, light fizz and slightly hazy. Aroma of biscuits and a little wood. Flavour has honey running through it. Smooth and rich but a bit too sweet.

Not much under the nose. A hint of floral aroma and a hint of twig and oak but not much else - but let’s let the taste decide! First of all, this cider is fresh, zippy, tart (but mellow), silky and incredibly drinkable. On a hot day, with some cold ones of these, get the cab app ready as you’re heading home in a taxi! I do love Somerset ciders (despite living in Worcestershire and also feeling like I have a loyalty to Herefordshire!) - and this is a really decently presented cider. It’s golden yellow in colour, light on fizz and very nice. It’s sweeter than it is dry (and your understanding of this is helped by a spread diagram/graph on the back label of the bottle) with a lemon zest and apple roundness. It’s not the most complex cider I’ve ever had but is incredibly easy drinking! I quaffed this in a matter of minutes. The green apple taste is thin in body, but that’s not a bad thing in this instance. The length is short but fills the mouth and palate with a fresh and tingly apple aftertaste. The people behind this cider are bold and confident - and they should be - they’ve created a great cider which certainly got me intrigued. They have a range of ciders on offer and this ‘Flare’ category is classed as ‘balanced, and easy-going’. And I can’t argue with that! It’s an solid 4/5 and with a bit more complexity and body it would have easily been a 5/5 so I’m keen to try some of the other ciders in their range. (Pulpt.co.uk)