Cider

G.M. Gillman · Post by **G.M. Gillman** » Sat Feb 11, 2012 3:25 pm

I know there are a number of import and domestic ciders available, but I almost never drink them. The domestic ones, at least in my experience, seem to have a fresh, "eating apple" flavour which I prefer in the form of the fruit itself, or apple juice. Perhaps I haven t had the best ones and welcome any suggestions.

But wanting to try an imported one, I bought a Blackthorn at LCBO, 6% ABV, described on the label as dry. I know this is a nationally available label in England and probably made from concentrate, so I thought it might be dull in taste. Not at all. It has a clean and prominent taste of perfumed English apples (Cox Pippin or that mealy type) and indeed is on the dry side but with a sweetish aftertaste. A very nice, natural-tasting drink. I tried it blended with Russian Gun and Sinha Stout 50/50 and this is superb, I can see why the mix of stout and cider is popular in the U.K.

On my last trip to England, I tried some West Country scrumpy, in two variations from a small producer (I was told). One was, IMO, undrinkable from a strong funky brett so I put it aside. The other was excellent and quite similar in fact to this Blackthorn.

I will try other ciders and make notes under this thread and encourage all who are interested to do the same.

Gary

Bytowner · Post by **Bytowner** » Sat Feb 11, 2012 3:40 pm

If you find yourself in Quebec have a good look around Gary. Some good Norman style ciders available.

G.M. Gillman · Post by **G.M. Gillman** » Sat Feb 11, 2012 4:00 pm

Will do, any names?

Gary

Bytowner · Post by **Bytowner** » Sat Feb 11, 2012 4:18 pm

Nope, it's mostly farmhouse stuff, small producers, part of the fun!

Phatman · Post by **Phatman** » Sat Feb 11, 2012 7:09 pm

If anyone ends up in Scotland then Thistly Cross gets two thumbs up from myself, treat yourself!

saints_gambit · Post by **saints_gambit** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 1:53 am

Go get some Spirit Tree. It's excellent.

JerCraigs · Post by **JerCraigs** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 10:03 am

saints_gambit wrote:Go get some Spirit Tree. It's excellent.

Agreed. One of the best ciders I have had recently. Super quaffable.

Frere Ambroise · Post by **Frere Ambroise** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 12:18 pm

There is a limited release of the Samuel Smith's Organic Cider (173047) - 550ml bottle. Pretty tasty stuff. It goes quickly so you may want to grab some as they fly off the shelves soon after beeing released.

G.M. Gillman · Post by **G.M. Gillman** » Sun Feb 12, 2012 2:32 pm

Thanks for these notes. Must try Spirit Tree at Volo because it seems a regular offering there.

Gary

Publican · Post by **Publican** » Mon Feb 13, 2012 7:28 pm

I also think Spirt Tree Pub Cider is excellent. Need to get up to Caledon soon because I've finished the 12 botles I bought when I was there last fall. Wish I could get it at the LCBO.

SMC · Post by **SMC** » Mon Feb 13, 2012 8:32 pm

For LCBO offerings I recommend Williams (#173039), the price is decent compared to other ciders and it's Canadian made.

ErkLR · Post by **ErkLR** » Mon Feb 13, 2012 10:33 pm

My friend from Brittany in France really liked Pommies Dry Cider that the LCBO *was* selling. He said it was the closest to the cider he used to have where he grew up. But the LC lists it as discontinued, their website looks like it's broken and they haven't updated their twitter feed since Nov. Sooo... looks like they're out of business, and this is totally unhelpful.

edit:
And now looking at their FB page, they've been busy moving to a new facility to turn up production, so they should be coming back.
http://www.facebook.com/pommiesdry?v=wall

mintjellie · Post by **mintjellie** » Tue Feb 14, 2012 12:42 am

Thornbury!

velovampire · Post by **velovampire** » Tue Feb 14, 2012 11:34 am

ErkLR wrote:My friend from Brittany in France really liked Pommies Dry Cider that the LCBO *was* selling. He said it was the closest to the cider he used to have where he grew up. But the LC lists it as discontinued, their website looks like it's broken and they haven't updated their twitter feed since Nov. Sooo... looks like they're out of business, and this is totally unhelpful.

edit:
And now looking at their FB page, they've been busy moving to a new facility to turn up production, so they should be coming back.
http://www.facebook.com/pommiesdry?v=wall

The girlfriend will be happy to hear that. She's quite the fan of Pommie's, and we were wondering where it went. From the few sips I've had, I'd agree it's one of the better options (sometimes) available at the LCBO.

phirleh · Post by **phirleh** » Tue Feb 14, 2012 11:36 am

ErkLR wrote:My friend from Brittany in France really liked Pommies Dry Cider that the LCBO *was* selling. He said it was the closest to the cider he used to have where he grew up. But the LC lists it as discontinued, their website looks like it's broken and they haven't updated their twitter feed since Nov. Sooo... looks like they're out of business, and this is totally unhelpful.

edit:
And now looking at their FB page, they've been busy moving to a new facility to turn up production, so they should be coming back.
http://www.facebook.com/pommiesdry?v=wall

The owner contacted me on Flickr and you should see it return in April. Good stuff.