Aroma in bottle is oaken and fruity in equal parts. In the glass, straw in colour, virtually clear, and with less fizz apparent than expected. Smell is less sweet, with a hint of furniture polish. In the mouth, sparkle is pleasantly light, barely frizzante, and well-judged. Apple flavours are forward – they start sherbet, embitter to a clean and lightly tannic cider apple freshness, before finishing on a baked quality. A third of the way down, swirling brings out an autumn leaves aroma. There's a little rubber to the flavour, not like it's off in any sense, but it's nevertheless slightly inelegant. Otherwise, oak and sweet lemons are inoffensive and understated currents. It does lack complexity, and develops little in the glass. To my dry tastes, this is probably medium-sweet rather than truly medium. You can do worse – the light flavours, minimal body, and clean texture make for easy enough drinking. But there's nothing particularly special to recommend for this. Though maybe i shouldn't be drinking a cider called Summer Solstice on December 21!
Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025
