ThomasM

Badges Earned (18)

Imperial Cyder from Aspall Aspall Imperial Cyder (8.2% ABV, 500ml). This one came without a front label somehow. It differs in many ways from the other Aspall ciders I've tried, in a good way. The colour is clear deep amber. Medium body, moderate carbonation. Aroma has ripe apples, fudge, hints of raisin, clove. Almost completely different from the other ones. On the palate, baked apples, raisins, tannic bitterness, mild caramel - all that but still being semi-dry. Mild bitterness in the finish, with faint candied apple, oak and vanilla in the aftertaste. FINALLY an Aspall cider that appeals to me, and not just because of the elevated ABV ;). 8/10 Reviewed on 09 Nov 2023 4 likes

Rascal from Thatchers Cider Company Thatchers Rascal (4.5% ABV, 500ml). Clear, deep golden colour. Rather meek aroma of slightly mouldy, semi-sweet apples, mild vanilla. Light to medium body, moderate carbonation. Ripe, bitter-sweet apples on the palate, rather fruity, plus some apple skins, mild yeast. Moderate tannic bitterness in the finish and aftertaste, with some apple sweetness left behind. Definitely one of the company's better ciders (Which isn't saying much, admittedly); uncomplicated, but with good fruit flavours, not too much carbonation, and no sweeteners or malic acid added. Likeable (7/10). Reviewed on 06 Nov 2023 4 likes

Cru Breton Cidre Brut from Val de Rance Val de Rance Cru Breton Cidre Brut (5% ABV, 750ml). This one is a clear bright amber with a small head. Compared to the same cidery's "Bio-Cidre", the aroma is weaker, almost veiled: Mild yellow apple flavour, muted vinegar, quince, beeswax. Medium body and carbonation. Despite some sweetness from rip apples, the dry and tannic bitter notes are dominant and quickly take over. Very tart apples towards the finish, some lemon, yeast. Moderately bitter aftertaste with apple skins and faint sulphur. Not quite as impressive as the medium-sweet Bio-Cidre, but still very refreshing and quaffable (7/10). Reviewed on 18 Oct 2023 4 likes

Draught Cyder from Aspall Aspall Draught Cyder (5.5% ABV, 500ml). Made in Suffolk from various bittersweet culinary and dessert apples, this appears to be one of the most popular ciders in the UK. Despite being bottled it's now called "Draught" because it's also available on tap in restaurants and pubs in the UK. Pale clear yellow colour. Light, crispy almost floral apple aroma, with a hint of pear. Medium body, modest carbonation. Sour, green apples on the palate at first, and again there's a floral-herbal note, too. Lemony, "green" note persists into the dry finish, with floral elements, green apple in the aftertaste. Lingering sourness. Certainly very refreshing and probably goes great with many foods. On its own though, a tad too sour for my taste. 6/10. Reviewed on 17 Oct 2023 4 likes

Cidre Doux from Ecusson Écusson Cidre Doux (2.5% ABV, 750ml). Organically certified cidre from Normandy, made from fresh regional apples without sweeteners or colouring. This one pours a deep, clear gold. Aroma of sweet red apples, some apple skins, very faint barnyard funk vinegar. Medium body, soft carbonation. First taste are very sweet, almost candied apples, mild vinegar, faint apple peels, some funk. Very mildly bitter tannins in the finish, with honey, mild vinegar in the aftertaste. Very clean sweet cider, perfect for those who don't want a hefty dose of vinegar to go with their fruit/sweetness. 7/10 Reviewed on 03 Dec 2023 3 likes

l'authentique French cider rose from Les Celliers Associes Les Celliers Associés Cidre d Bretagne Rosé Doux et Fruité (2.5% ABV, 750ml). Bright ruby colour, clear. Tiny head. This one contains colouring and citric acid. Fruity aroma, first of forest fruit and strawberries, then ripe red apples, plus some vinegar. Medium body, moderate to lively carbonation. Very sweet fruit taste at first, again a mix of forest fruits and ripe apples. The apples come to the fore later, with healthy acidity, apple skins. Mild tannic bitterness in the finish, blackberries. Sweetish aftertaste of apples, apple skins, mild vinegar. Approachable, intensely fruity cider that's more like a party drink. No funk in this one, which is rare for a French cider. 7/10. Reviewed on 28 Nov 2023 3 likes

Cidre Demi-Sec from Domaine des Cinq Autels Domaine des Cinq Autels Cidre Demi-Sec (4.7% ABV, 750ml). A cidery in Normandy (Département Calvados) that has been growing organic apples since 1967. Local fruit, no sweeteners, no colouring. Pours a medium hazy bright gold with a small white head. Aroma is ripe apples, farmyard funk, yeast, with some acidity. Medium body and moderate to lively carbonation. Plenty going on on the palate: ripe, slightly tart apples, plenty of barnyard funk, fruit esters, yeast. The funk gets stronger towards the finish, with medium tannic bitterness. apple cores, lemon, leading into an aftertaste of slightly mouldy ripe apples, yeast, and ongoing bitterness. Superb traditional cider that checks all the boxes. With a little less carbonation it would be a perfect 10. 9.5/10. Reviewed on 23 Nov 2023 3 likes

Apfel & Hopfen from Von Wiesen GmbH & CO KG Von Wiesen Apfel & Hopfen (6.8% ABV, 750ml). This cider from the company in the south of Hesse is created by adding Citra hops when it's bottled where it ferments further. It's a bottle-conditioned cider. Pours a medium hazy pale yellow, and even though it's the first glass I can already see the yeast at the bottom. Thin white head. There's some tart apple in the aroma, but you can already smell the citrusy, dry hops, too. An apple IPA. Then there's herbs, yeast and wee oak. A complex nose. On the palate, the green apple notes are sour and fresh, and again there's the lemony, dry hops, too. The herbs and yeast come later, then the finish is dry, moderately bitter, hoppy, citrusy. Lemon dominates the aftertaste. This is an interesting, "different" cider. There's not an ounce of sweetness in it, rather it reminds me of a very dry, extremely citrusy American Pale Ale - with apple. Wouldn't wanna drink this every day, but once in a while I think I'll enjoy it. 8/10. Reviewed on 21 Nov 2023 3 likes

Cidre Rose La Sulfureuse from Sassy Sassy Cidre Rosé "La Sulfureuse" (3% ABV, 750ml). The rosé cider from Sassy is made from 18 varieties apples from Normandy, including several red-fleshed ones, with no sweeteners or colouring. Pours a deep, clear salmon colour. Sweet red apples in the aroma, strawberries, with a notable dose of vinegar. Medium body, soft carbonation. On the palate, very sweet red apples and strawberries, with some bitterness of apple peels, and hefty acidity. The acidity last into the finish and aftertaste, as do apple peel and a hint of strawberries. Very fruity and lively rosé cider. (8.5/10) Reviewed on 20 Nov 2023 3 likes

Elderflower from Sheppy's Sheppy's Cider with Elderflower (4% ABV, 500ml). Crushed & fermented Somerset apples, infused with elderflower "essence". Pale, clear, "white wine" yellow colour. Compared to Thistly Cross' Edlderflower cider, the elderflower note in the aroma is subtle, so you can also smell some apples, hints of vinegar. Light body, soft carbonation. While the elderflower is more noticeable on the palate, it's still apples first, elderflower second. Tart apples, some earthiness, mild herbs and mild vinegar. Rather faint semi-sweet finish, mostly floral. Faint herbs and vinegar in the aftertaste. Rather pleasant if light-bodied cider that doesn't overdo the elderflower part. 7/10. Reviewed on 19 Nov 2023 3 likes