Rosé

La Chouette Rosé (4.5% ABV, 330ml). The third cider from this company is a mix of apple and pear. They don't tell us which percentage of each fruit. Apart from sulphite there are no additives. This mixed cider has a clear reddish salmon colour, and a small white head that doesn't last very long. Both pear and apple are present in the aroma, and it's sweetish, but not cloyingly so. Some watermelon, too. Light to medium body, moderate carbonation. The flavour is very sweet at first though, of red apples, with some red currant as well, hints of honey. But this is quickly balanced by some healthy vinegar as well as moderate bitterness/tannins from fruit skins. Moderately dry/bitter finish before the red currant returns. Aftertaste of apple and pear skins, some yeast. Interesting and highly quaffable mixed cider, but not the best in the company's range (7/10).

I tend to shy away from sweet ciders but the flavor of this is excellent with notes of honey. I’m glad I didn’t dismiss it based on sweetness.

This is a French cidre made from both apples (including red-fleshed) and pears. Notes of canned pear, watermelon, strawberry, green apple, and lemon.  Lovely fluffy texture. I really enjoyed everything about it - flavor, texture, complexity, and balance. It was like a combination of French perry and cider from red-fleshed apples.