Discussion
Last year, after trying some Strongbow and some other stuff in a black can I decided that I did not like cider and have never tried it since.
Now, I am starting to think I have been a bit narrow minded and should probably try some better stuff.
What does everyone on here drink, and what would you recommend?
I have heard interesting things about Aspall Suffolk Cider, are they true?
Now, I am starting to think I have been a bit narrow minded and should probably try some better stuff.
What does everyone on here drink, and what would you recommend?
I have heard interesting things about Aspall Suffolk Cider, are they true?
Forget France, they may well indeed make some nice ciders but frankly if you can't find decent cider in England you're not trying. There are literally hundreds of independent and small cider makers turning out everything from sweet to dry, still and sparkling and of course apples and pears (Cider/Perry). You may even find the odd cider house or pub selling genuine ciders served by hand pump like real ales. If all you've tried is mass produced stuff in 2 litre plastic bottles then shame on you. Mind you, on a hot day I would rather drink a can of chilled strongbow than any tasteless homogenised, chemical lager crap - which is basically all of them!
Have a look at this to whet your taste buds http://homepage.ntlworld.com/scrumpy/cider/makers....
Have a look at this to whet your taste buds http://homepage.ntlworld.com/scrumpy/cider/makers....
RichB said:
Forget France, they may well indeed make some nice ciders but frankly if you can't find decent cider in England you're not trying. There are literally hundreds of independent and small cider makers turning out everything from sweet to dry, still and sparkling and of course apples and pears (Cider/Perry). You may even find the odd cider house or pub selling genuine ciders served by hand pump like real ales. If all you've tried is mass produced stuff in 2 litre plastic bottles then shame on you. Mind you, on a hot day I would rather drink a can of chilled strongbow than any tasteless homogenised, chemical lager crap - which is basically all of them!
Have a look at this to whet your taste buds http://homepage.ntlworld.com/scrumpy/cider/makers....
I take it you know of a little 14th Century retreat not too far from you?Have a look at this to whet your taste buds http://homepage.ntlworld.com/scrumpy/cider/makers....
.Congratulations on opening your mind.
I love cider - and perry. Stuff from the smaller family producers of which there are many.
If you look at ukcider.co.uk they have a pretty big list of names and contacts.
I checked your profile to see where, I think, you are. Is there any good specialist around ? Its a shame you don't have a Waitrose for example.
An option might be to put an order in with someone like Hop Pocket (amongst others) who have a comprehensive selection and could mix a case. OK - you will pay for this via the carriage cost primarily - but you can get a good variety.
I like Dunkertons (available in Waitrose - dad of the bloke who own's 'Superdry' clothing), Olivers, some Gwatkin, and Robinsons to name a few.
One thing to remember - the 'dry' commercial ciders are actually pretty sweet. Some of the artisan ciders are DRY and can be tannin heavy. So - mix it up a bit and challenge your taste buds.
If you can - try a holiday in Herefordshire. Work you way around the cider yards and vineyards - especially around late September / early October.
I love cider - and perry. Stuff from the smaller family producers of which there are many.
If you look at ukcider.co.uk they have a pretty big list of names and contacts.
I checked your profile to see where, I think, you are. Is there any good specialist around ? Its a shame you don't have a Waitrose for example.
An option might be to put an order in with someone like Hop Pocket (amongst others) who have a comprehensive selection and could mix a case. OK - you will pay for this via the carriage cost primarily - but you can get a good variety.
I like Dunkertons (available in Waitrose - dad of the bloke who own's 'Superdry' clothing), Olivers, some Gwatkin, and Robinsons to name a few.
One thing to remember - the 'dry' commercial ciders are actually pretty sweet. Some of the artisan ciders are DRY and can be tannin heavy. So - mix it up a bit and challenge your taste buds.
If you can - try a holiday in Herefordshire. Work you way around the cider yards and vineyards - especially around late September / early October.
Plotloss said:
WSL?
Indeed - been drinking there for 25 years or more. Do you remember the local farmer type chap who used to wear the feather in his hat and a hunting knife on his belt? Always sat in the same spot at the bar! It's changed over the years but still idylic. Owned by the villagers you know. I almost bought a house (cottage?) up the street a few years ago at auction but my wife stopped me putting my hand up when the price went a bit too high 
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