Rocquette Traditional Cider

This is the first cider I’ve had from The Channel Islands. It says it’s ‘dry’ on the label, but it’s more of a medium-dry-dry, if that makes sense? It’s light-bronze in colour and has little under the nose - but there is a hint of orange peel and berries. The taste is fairly complex, incredibly silk-like and smooth (with and initial refreshing sharpness) with a medium to long finish. The taste throws out citrus hints after a few seconds with a red apple taste and then a swaythe of Granny Smith likeness. The aftertaste is strong and lively and packs a punch. You get a knowing sense of being hammered if you were to ‘session’ on this cider, even at 6%ABV. Fizz? Hardly any - almost still - but just enough to create a refreshing sip. This cider is certainly for the more discerning fan be you an enthusiast or expert. It costs the mouth well and lingers in your throat and you feel the dryness kicking in. A thoroughly well produced cider, even if it is on the sweet side (which I know is something its faced criticism for in other reviews) but I’m still to find a ‘French-style’ cider that’s knocked me out of park - so my search continues. Therefore I’ll give this Rocquette Cider a firm 4/5 in the hope that one day I must taste one that deserves the full 5/5. This cider is great as a treat - I had one bottle and left it there. Reviewed this cider on its own but it would easily accompany an English Ploughman’s, Butcher’s Board lunch or hard, string English cheddar.

This would probably be a good cider without the added malic acid and sugar; can't understand why they felt the need to use them. As it is, this lacks complexity, and, although better than a mass-production cider, it was ultimately disappointing.