Scrumpy by Westons

The Pub:  I tried this cider at a pub called The Shakespeare in Birmingham, England. The pub atmosphere was amazing, considering it was week night at around 6:30pm.  Lots of workers were stopping in for a quick one and a chat with friends.  As for the pub, a picture of the great writer himself hangs proudly on the wall. Pictures of old Birmingham are display throughout the pub.  The pub itself had lots of dark wood throughout...flooring, bar and walls.  This was a great place for me to wet my whistle after visiting my beloved Villa Park, home of Aston Villa Football Club.  The twitter handle for this pub (or owners of pub) is @nicholsonpubs.  Pub is located in the city centre and is close to the train the station.

The Cider:  I tried to pay attention while the bartender poured this cider from the tap.  The pour was cloudy and it remained cloudy.  My friend Carol and I had two different opinions on this drink.  Carol said she could taste apple and her thoughts that it was a watered down apple juice.  As for me, my first impression was that I was drinking a white wine/ champagne. It was dry and not sweet.  It was hard for me to get into this cider.  Though it wasn't my favourite of the ones I tried over there, I would have it again. 

A Brief History:  Westons was established in 1880 in Much Marcle, Herefordshire.  The company is still in the family and they produced various types of ciders and perries.  The website is very interactive and has a lot of detail on the history of the family, cider making etc.  There is too much to go so visit their website at:      http://www.westons-cider.co.uk/  It is a great read.  I was reading the various ciders they had for sale on the on line shop and I noticed for all of them, they are suitable for those who follow a gluten free diet.

The Verdict:  6.9 out of 10

Magners Golden Draught

 The Cider:  Of course when you are getting poured a pint you don't have the chance to really watch how the cider pours.  I have tried to find out some information about this product and the following was copied from their website.

"Magners Golden Draught is produced with the same craft, care and dedication as Magners Original Irish Cider in bottles. The product, however, differs from bottled Magners as it is made using a higher proportion of the smaller, harder Dabinett and Michelin apples. This produces a crisper, less sweet taste which is perfect for draught cider. Magners Golden Draught is served extra cold so there is no need for ice."  You can find this information at http://www.candcgroupplc.com/brands/ciders/magners   (this is the parent company home page but there is an official Magners home page. )

The Consumer Review: Well what can I say.....I loved it.  Just like they state on their website it had a cool, crisp taste.  It was nice and smooth.....I could easily have given up shopping and and sat back and drink these all day.  I had spent a great deal of time already walking around London and had made it over to Camden Market.  Before long, I was dying of thirst and decided a cider was in order. After the bar tender had poured my cider I could see the glass had frosted from the pour as it is served extra cold.   The picture above shows some frosting on the glass and believe me you did not need to drink this cider over ice. You could not get a distinctive taste of apple and that could be in part that its served extra cold and that the smoothness of the cider makes you forget about the taste.  I was more amazed I must admit about the crispness of the cider to really pay attention to what undertones were present or what the dominate flavour was.

The Restaurant:  I first tried this cider at Lock 107 in Camden.  This is modern pub/restaurant with seating inside and out.  Depending where you sat, you had a view of the locks, vendor's stalls or the covered market.  The staff were friendly and very helpful, and we the day was sunny and hot so it was non stop for them.

Throughout the week I was in the UK I had tired this cider a few times and it never disappointed.  My only complaint is that it's not available in Canada.  One can only hope or it will have to be my special treat when I visit the UK again.

The Verdict:  One of my favourites so this one gets a 9.5 out of 10.

You can follow them on twitter @magnersUK

Symonds Founders Reserve

I am now back from my vacation to the UK and missing it already.  This will be the first of many postings on the various ciders I sampled.

One of the first ciders I tried was Symonds. I had this cider at the Bear Inn in Oxford.  This cider was on tap so me and my friend Jo each had a pint to enjoy all it's worth.

I tried finding out some information but their website is currently unavailable. This is what I did find out. Symonds Founder’s Reserve 5.5% abv. It is made from Herefordshire cider apples including Dabinett & Michelin varietals.  Based in Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire it was founded in 1727. It remained in family ownership until a takeover in 1984 by another company and then it was sold to Bulmers in 1989 (which is part of the Heineken family).

The Taste:  Symonds has a traditional cider taste, not to sweet with clean crisp finish.  At one point I thought there was a citrus undertone.

Colour:  Golden Yellow

Verdict:  Jo and I thoroughly enjoyed this cider. The fact that it was smooth and that we both enjoyed it even though we have different taste in cider.  We both give this cider 8.5 out of 10.

The Pub:  The Bear Inn was established in 1242 is Oxford's oldest pub.  The pub was small and quaint.  Very low ceilings gave it the cosy feel.  The area by the bar was packed, but we managed to find a table in the area I would call the snug.  On the ceiling and walls were a collection of ties that people have left over the years. This area also had the fire place (not sure if it works) and the garden in the back for those hot summer days and nights.  I have to say the garden was rocking as it was a beautiful sunny day in Oxford.  This is a must stop for a quick pint or for a break as there is plenty to see in Oxford.  The website for the Bear Inn is http://bearoxford.co.uk/

Me and my Symonds

A sample of the ties on the walls and ceiling