Real Elderflower

Thistly Cross Elderflower Scottish Cider (4.0% ABV, 500ml). My first (explicitly) flavoured cider. Clear pale golden colour. Light body, mild carbonation. At first, floral Elderflower dominates in the aroma, with sweet and sour apples and faint herbs coming from behind. Very sweet and fruity mix of elderflower and ripe apples on the palate, with stronger herbal notes in the mix. Sweetish vinegar, if that makes any sense. The herbal infusion reminds me of Austrian "Almdudler" a bit. With sip after the sip, the apples come to the front a little bit more. Lemon, sugar, slightly drier than before. Aftertaste of echoes of elderflower, sweet apples and herbs. This one takes a bit of time to get used to. I remember my grandparents used to make elderflower wine from local fruit, and unlike the two old ladies in "Arsenic and Old Lace", they didn't poison elderly homeless men with it - rather, they thought it's be suitable for a 7-year old boy. ;) - Thistly Cross apparently make this by brewing elderflower tea and add it to their "Original" cider. Can't say I don't like this, but neither am I in a rush to order more of it. The elderflower doesn't bother me per se, but the rather sweet overall taste does. 6/10

The aroma is strongly of elderflower. This cider has a syrupy character, and tastes strongly of an alcoholic elderflower cordial. There is an aftertaste of the less sweet cider underlying the elderflower, but the elderflower dominates. Not really my thing, but it's good enough in its type. Drinkable.

This cider is from East Lothian, on the East coast of Scotland. Apple cider spiked with elderflower tea from handpicked elderflowers. Instantly one of my new favorite ciders. Not earthy, more clean and sweet, like a wine spritzer. Delicious, consistent, refreshing flavor.