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The art within an apple: Sea Cider (Part 2)
By Holly Rose
There are few ways to get as familiar with a beverage as when we pair food with drink then savour. I think that this creates an intimacy, an understanding, and even creates the space for us to fall (just a little) in love.
It also allows for us to get a greater sense of what our palate prefers, without attaching an idea of right or wrong to it. Our taste buds are always innately accurate. When it comes to pairing cider with food, the world is your oyster.
So saddle up, and pour yourself a few glasses of Sea Cider alongside me, partner, and we can have an adventure of apple proportions (my father's sense of humour raises its head again).
Wild English - Perfect for pairing with a ploughman's lunch or aged cheddar, this bold earthy cider will please the palate with a clean, crisp finish. I find this to be a palate pleaser, with enough bite to let you know you are sipping on the bounty of the earth without being tart.(Wonderfully dry).
Kings & Spies - Its name comes in part from two of the varieties that make up this cider, King of Tomkin Apples and Northern Spy Apples. It can be easily paired with mild cheeses such as brie and camembert, or for something a little more savoury, try a savoury tart with your sip. I notice notes of pear and a delicate floral bouquet with this off-dry cider.
Pippins - Known for its prohibition-style taste, try pairing this sharp but balanced cider with a spicy thai dish. An off-dry cider with unique fruit notes.
Rumrunner - One of the Sea Cidery's most notable ciders, this semi-dry sparkling cider enjoys coming to age in whiskey barrels, which pass on some of their distinctive flavour and charm to the cider they are host to. Look for notes of toffee, brown sugar and of course, rum. I highly recommend pairing with a local cured meat or stilton cheese.
Pomona - During the creation of this unique, sweet still cider, the concoction is frozen and reduced. The result is a beverage that is akin to sherry; syrupy and entirely delicious. Pomona will challenge your ideas of what crab apples can contribute to society. Find a stunning piece of dark chocolate and look for tasting notes of apricots, oranges and cloves. For those of you who can bear to pour this any place other than down your throat, try it on your sponge cake for a special treat.
Kristen Jordan - Proprietor
Should creating your own tasting sound a little too much like work while the sky is blue and the sun is brilliant, head down to the Ciderhouse and try their flight of nine ciders with their tasting plate.
While we have covered a few favourites today, many more wait investigation. And as always, I look forward to your emails with stories of your own experiences. Keep your glasses held high until next week!
- Photos & text by Holly Rose©
