Best Southwestern English Cider Types
Somerset is one of the centers of cider production in England. The ciders from Somerset are typically dry and full-bodied. Their color can range from yellow to light amber, and they can be clear or cloudy. Most are intensely flavored, fruity, complex, and bittersweet, but they can vary in style and character. Somerset ciders are made by traditional methods and usually with sharper, bittersweet apple varieties such as Jerseys, Kingston Black, or Dabinett.
Most ciders are a blend of apple varieties, but there are some single varietals. Somerset has a centuries-old cider tradition that most likely started in monasteries. It remains one of the most prolific regions for traditional English ciders.
Perry is made by fermenting the juice of pressed, local perry pears where up to 25% cider apple juice can be added, and cider is made opposite the perry, where local apples are pressed and up to 25% perry pear juice can be added. Ciders have a uniquely rich appley taste with a balance between sweet and bitter and can be medium sweet or dry.
Perrys have a soft, floral, fruity taste with a typical bitterness and their color is pale. Ciders and perrys are produced only from locally grown fruit in the areas of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Slider is a traditional drink from Devon that combines gin-infused sloe berries and cider. The sloes are usually left as a by-product of making sloe gin and are then macerated in cider for several weeks. The infusion will attain a darker, reddish hue, while the flavor is fruity, herbal, and subtly bitter, reminiscent of apples and sloes.
The drink can also have subtle almond notes, which are imparted by the sloe kernels. Slider can be enjoyed neat, but it also works well in mixed drinks, combined with soda water, tonic, or lemonade.
Best Southwestern English Ciders
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
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