Our Top Cider Picks!
Posted by Blake W on 11th Mar 2020
G’Day, Blake from The Oak Barrel here to chat about cider! After a hard slog, Cider Australia announced late last year that the implementation of the ‘100% Australian Grown Trust Mark’.
This is great news for any Aussie craft cider producers or punters wanting to drink locally produced cider and is hopefully the first of many steps to regulate the cider industry in Australia.
If you’re keen on supporting the local cider industry keep an eye out for this logo. For more information visit http://www.cideraustralia.org.au/backtoearth/
Being independent here at The Oak Barrel means we can support as many local producers as possible as well as some top-quality imports. Here are my top picks from our collection!
A great semi sweet cider from our friends in the Adelaide Hills, completely unfiltered this cracking drop starts crisp and tart with a long apple sweet finish. What more could you want on a hot day.
Pagan Cerise Apple Cheery Cider
Fruit, Fruit and more Fruit! Made up of 40% cherries and 60% apples this cider is big on flavour. Loads of cherry and plum flavours hit hard up front with subtle spices to finish. Rich body which goes great with any kind of BBQ meat!
Willie Smith Traditional Apple Cider:
A blend of French and English heirloom apples, this cracking cider is a nod to traditional European cider making. Full bodied and cloudy, this cider is deep, rich and refreshing! (Trust Mark Certified)
Fresh Tassie Napoleon pears and heirloom apples come together in this complex and delicious perry. Bright citrus up front and honey at the back with a nice tannin bite at the end. On the dry side for a perry. (Trust Mark Certified)
There is nothing quite like a good flavoured cider and this is no exception. A long cool ferment over autumn and winter brings real depth and complexity. Naturally carbonated, crisp dry and delicious. (Trust Mark Certified)
Fruktstereo Plumenian Rhapsody:
One for the
natural wine lovers! Pet Nat style, Plums macerated on skins with a small
number of grapes for 3 weeks and blended with apples. Fermentation finishes in
bottle for natural carbonation. Wild, funky and fruity!
That’s right, still cider is a thing and if you haven’t tried one before this one is a must. Done in a traditional English west country style, this cider has earthy green apple flavours and a long, crisp, dry finish. (Trust Mark Certified)
A cider crafted for the heat. This sensational drop come from a natural winemaker in Auvergne and like his wines, Hellcider is natural, raw and wild. Dry to finish and naturally carbonated Hellcider is the ultimate beverage for a hot summer day.
A true English style cider! Only the most experienced cider makers will attempt a keeved cider and few can pull it off successfully. This is an exceptional cider, off-dry and delicious with a crisp and harmonious finish. Limited supply so get in quick!
Small Acres Cats Pyjamas 2015:
A true labour of love, done in a champagne style with 24 months maturation on lees and all disgorged by hand. No wonder this cider took out gold at the 2018 Aussie Cider Awards. Creamy, crisp and rich, this cider is absolutely exceptional!
PS – We send out a weekly newsletter with the pick of the NEW BREWS for the week. If you would like to get this, please email blake@oakbarrel.com.au & include your Christian name