The drinks report: cider and mead

The drinks report

There’s something particular about slaking your thirst with cider, which has so many variants. For this season’s focus, Max Coltart tries two brands of thoughtfully made ciders but also takes a look at the maker of mead, which while very different in its creation, has something of the same satisfying effect on the drinker

HAWKES - URBAN ORCHARD

From a cidery based in south London, the team at Hawkes are on a mission to champion craft cider. Made from Londonpressed country apples (Braeburn, Bramley, Gala, Pink Lady) this is a classic medium dry cider. It’s smooth bodied and crisply dry, with an almost wine-like finish. Their striking label is bound to stand out wherever it’s stocked. £6 for four; waitrose.com ___

SHEPPYS – ORIGINAL CLOUDY CIDER

Sheppy’s Original Cloudy Cider is a light blend of David Sheppy’s traditional Somerset cider and a touch of pure cloudy apple juice to produce a lightly sparkling medium sweet cider with a crisp and fruity flavour. Cloudy cider has connotations of farmyard scrumpy, but producing a bottled cider to this high standard has taken several years of trial and error. £2.90; thebottleclub.com ___

SHEPPY’S - VINTAGE RESERVE CIDER

A fine full-bodied award winning vintage cider with a medium-dry taste and a little added sparkle. This cider is created from a blend of the best varieties of Somerset cider apples gathered in a single harvest at the Sheppy family’s Three Bridges Farm. A family favourite recipe handed down from Master of Cider David Sheppy’s father which has been perfected through the years. £2.90; thebottleclub.com ___

GOSNELL’S

Tom Gosnell’s obsession was born out of his experience making cider at friend’s orchard in Dorset so it’s fitting we include his finest products alongside our favourite ciders. Gosnell is the first London Meadery for more than 500 years and are now selling to over nine countries worldwide, spearheading a substantial revival. Mead is created by fermenting honey with water, alongside various fruits, spices, grains or hops with ABV ranging from 3.5% all the way through to a slur-inducing 20%.

CITRA SEA

This refreshing take on mead has tarragon, lemon and hops added to their honey ferment. With a saline and mouth-watering finish, has Gosnell’s found the perfect pairing to a portion of fish and chips? £15 for four; gosnells.co.uk ___

SOUR

Made with Spanish orange blossom honey, the light and citrus flavour profile lends itself well to a more complex acidity profile. Described as “puckering”, this could well be an excellent choice when reaching for the hair of the dog. £15 for four; gosnells.co.uk ___

HIBISCUS

Pink mead… now there’s a niche drink to wheel out at your next barbecue. Usually made by adding grape juice Gosnell’s has opted for hibiscus flowers, giving a particularly fruity and floral flavour profile. £15 for four; gosnells.co.uk ___