Samuel Smith Organic Perry (5% ABV, 550ml). After the onslaught of flavours of the "manufactured" Organic Cider, I wasn't exactly keen on trying another one from Samuel Smith's. As expected, this - too - is made from juice concentrate, with the addition of cane sugar and malic acid. "Pear extract" is also included, whatever that means.
Bright clear yellow colour with a small head. Compared to the Organic Cider, the aroma here is positively restrained. The nose reminds me of apples rather than perry, and it's medium sweet, with a hint of vanilla. Light body, medium carbonation. Palate is also medium-dry at first, with a fruit taste that, again, isn't particularly pear-y. But it's also not obnoxious, and the vinegar is subtle rather than overwhelming. Definitely not cloying. Other than the mild fruit taste though, there's nothing beyond a citric note, and some fruit peel bitterness in the finish (I hesitate to say "pear" peel, but I simply don't get the pear flavour). Waxy and neutral aftertaste.
Samuel Smith have found a new way to disappoint me. In contrast to the onslaught of flavours from the Organic Cider, this one is way too bland and generic. If you fancy a strong pear fruit taste, you won't find it here. 4.5/10
Reviewed on 25 Oct 2023