Traditional

Thistly Cross Traditional (4.4% ABV, 500ml), Another product from the Welsh cidery, using only fresh pressed apples, no sugar or colourings. Pale clear yellow colour. Ripe, sweet yellow apples and pear aroma, very mild acidity. Medium body, moderate carbonation. Stronger acidity on the palate, balancing the sweet, ripe apple notes, with mild tannins and lemon. Finish is semi-sweet apples, with momentarily higher tannins (very briefly), followed by mild fruit sweetness and faint acidity in the aftertaste. Very "clean" apple cider that emphasizes the fruit, enlivened by some acidity. Easy-drinking, limited depth. 7/10.

First time with Scottish cider, well worth waiting for

This has some similar flavor barrel aged type profiles to their Whisky Cask (although it doesn't appear to be barrel aged). However, I much prefer Whisky Cask. They typically run around $7-8 for a 500ml bottle, but Traditional is 4.4% while Whisky Cask is 6.9%, and Whisky Cask has a bolder flavor. However, Traditional is much easier to find in my area. Tasty!

Too sweet. Might as well take apple juice and add a bit of vodka.

This is a very sweet cider from Scottish heritage apple varieties. It tastes like regular apple cider all the kids drink, but it packs 6.2% alcohol. I have a feeling a few of these will go down quick and lead to a nasty hangover the next day.

Very smooth and extremely easy to drink. It is at the sweeter end of the spectrum, but not cloyingly so. The flavour lingers on the palette, and develops hints of cinnamon and vanilla as it lingers. All round a very satisfying drink, and the relatively low alcohol makes this a good choice if you're settling in for an evening with friends. Comes in a 330 ml bottle.