Trabanco Sidra Natural (6.0% ABV, 700ml). Made from bitter, sour and bittersweet cider apples, then fermented in chestnut barrels according to traditional methods. This is the core cider from the family-owned company, and nothing has been added to the fermented juice. No sugar, no other additives, and no carbonation.
It's a cloudy, unfiltered cider, and the colour is pale yellow. Very farmhouse-style aroma with earthy barnyard notes and dry, slightly tart and wee musty apples. Medium body and, although this is a still cider, minimal carbonation from the fermentation process. Taste is again dry, sour, with moderate tannins and, again, earthy notes. Apple skins, yeast. Brusque, so to speak. Turns more sour, slightly floral, and more earthy towards the finish. Yeasty aftertaste with apple skins, and sour lemon.
Only teensy-tiny fruit sweetness in this one, though it's not as "neutral" as the other Spanish still cider I tried before. It's not my cup of tea, honestly, but those who appreciate dry and rough farmyard ciders might like it. 6.5/10.
Reviewed on 29 Oct 2023
