The aroma is earthy with presence of farmyard funk (hints) and oak. You can almost smell the Dorset coast with a Jurassic salty, seaweed presence - despite being made from Somerset apple juice.
This cider is fresh and refreshing with a tangy edge - and very sweet - but I don’t mind that as it’s suppose to be that way. It’s ’fresh apple’ name is exactly what it is and it’s bang en-pointe.
The label says it’s best served chilled (out!) - and that’s how I served up mine. Chilled to about 3-5C. It’s golden in colour with light-medium carbonation and fairly full body.
The taste is sharp and tart with acidity to match. The length is pretty short but that could be altered by the cold temperature of the cider (at the time of review). It does linger though and has a softer aftertaste with an initial sweet dryness - this cider is like a posher, smoother Stowford Press.
I don’t dislike sweet ciders as when I have a good one, it’s memorable but this will please the sweet cider fans and put off the dry ones.
As I’m somewhat on the fence about this one, I think I’d drink it again as it does have a drier back end and that’s what makes you take another sip. Or gulp, in my instance for this review!
At 4.2%ABV you could have a good go on this stuff, but the sweetness might dry you out.
3/5.
Reviewed on 31 May 2025
