Monday, October 29, 2012

HP Bulmers Original Cider

Size:  568ml bottle
4.5% alc







History:  Founded in 1887 in Hereford, England.  They produce other types of cider besides this one.  It use to be available at the LCBO but no longer.  The website isn't really a website but they do have a facebook page and a twitter account.  Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BulmersUK and twitter @bulmerscider

The Colour:  Golden

The Pour:  Some carbonation, but it disappeared shortly after.

The Taste:  I found this to be a sweeter cider than some of the ones I had tried on this trip.  There is a hint of apples but not overpowering.  It is one of those I couldn't begin to guess which apples were used to make this bevy.

Synopsis:  Well, I tried getting away of not having ice, but low and behold, I was given a glass with ice.  So, when in Rome, I mean England do what the locals do.  I poured this cider, and as mentioned there was some carbonation.  There wasn't an overpowering smell of apples coming from this product.  My friend Jo loves Bulmers and is one if not her favourite cider over 'ome. I have to admit it goes down really smooth.   Clean crisp taste to tantalize the pallet. It is one of the best I have had over there. But if you prefer a dry cider, then this maybe on the sweet side for you. I highly recommend you give this one a try if you ever head over to the UK.  It really quenches the thirst one can work up.  I can attest to that as I had this bevy after spending a glorious day exploring Arundel Castle and town.




Rating:  Me 8.5 out of 10 and Jo 9 out of 10

The Pub:  Had my bevy at the Swan Hotel.  This pub is part of the Fullers chain.  Not only is it a pub, it has a tea room and rooms rent to rest your head for a day or two.  The dining area is quaint quiet area, and the bar area has lots of tables.  This area was very lively with tourists and locals.  It is very close to the castle and the river Arun.  This area is in the south of England not far from Brighton.


Website: http://www.swanarundel.co.uk/

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Aspall Crisp Draught Suffolk Cyder











The Cyder:  5.5% alc
Size:  330 or 500 ml bottle
Website: http://www.aspall.co.uk
Twitter:  @Aspall

History of Aspall:  Aspall was established in 1728 by Clement Chevallier, and relaunched in 2000.  It has been the Chevalliers family for centuries.  The website listed above is a great site to find out more about the various products and history of the family.

The Colour: Mid straw colour, hint of golden in various light.

Aroma:  Mild apple

The Taste:  Medium dry with a long, intriguing finish.

The Pour:  The server gave me a glass of ice with this bevy, so I decided to give it ago.  I normally, like my drink chilled but ice free.  There was no carbonation with the pour and none afterwards. What I liked about this cyder, is that the flavours were not present right away, but after.  It wasn't an overpowering apple taste, but there was enough of a hint of apple to know you were drinking an apple based beverage.  It was a really neat cyder.  I wish it was available in Canada. 

The Rating:  8.5 out of 10

The Pub:  I tried this beauty at the Punch and Judy Pub in Covent Garden, London England.  It is one of the pubs you must visit while in London.  Based in a bustling market square, it a great place to go and relax after a hard day of shopping or sight seeing.  The pub is two levels.  We ate in the cellar level.  It had that old pub feel to it with wood paneling and brick walls and vaulted arches.  The area we were in had brick ceilings, which gave the whole area a quaint, cosy atmosphere, yet it was bustling and full of life.  The website is http://www.taylor-walker.co.uk/pub/punch-and-judy-covent-garden-piazza  it is indepth and a good tool to see if it has your bevy and food of choice.

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