It’s a question that may not be on everyone’s mind just yet, but one that more and more enthusiasts are starting to seriously consider.
With such a wide variety of craft ciders available, finding your way around can be a bit overwhelming.
Here, we share our expert advice to help you make an informed choice, satisfying both your curiosity and, above all, your pleasure.
“Hoisted by one’s own petard”
Price does not always reflect the quality of cider. It is often a reflection of its rarity, the experience behind it, a specific production technique, or the reputation of the estate.
Rather than the price, we encourage you to focus on where you buy it. Opt for seasoned wine merchants over supermarkets or choose specialist distributors (like us) and direct purchases from the producer, where you can engage in a real conversation.
This brings us to another reflection: How much are you willing to pay for a bottle of cider? This will be the subject of our next article, diving straight into the heart of the latest trends in the cider world.
A simple look at the bottle will already give you a few clues about the expected quality of its contents. Moreover, more insightful back labels are appearing, so don’t hesitate to take your time, read them, and let your emotions guide you.
Terms such as “pure juice”, “natural carbonation”, or “no added sulfites” already outline the cider’s flavor profile.
Other terms such as sweet, semi-dry, dry, or extra dry can guide you toward your preferred preferred sugar level as much as the alcohol level, which can sometimes exceed 7%.
Finally, the long-awaited moment of opening the bottle has arrived. At this stage, trusting yourself is paramount. Based on your background, your experiences, your culinary habits, your culture… you will be more or less sensitive to specific aromatic profiles or flavors. Each of us is different, and a cider that brings you pleasure may not necessarily evoke the same sensation in your guests.
It is therefore essential to distinguish between your personal perception of a “good” cider, which is unique to you, and what is considered a “high-quality” cider based on objective criteria.
A quality cider is, first and foremost, a “clean” cider, meaning one without excessive faults. To tell if a cider has a flaw, simply trust your senses. If something bothers you, try letting it breathe; however, if that unpleasant sensation persists, it’s best to move on to another bottle. Keep in mind that some “faults” (such as funky, solvent, or vegetal notes) can actually add complexity or freshness to the cider. It all depends on your personal perception threshold.
Balance is THE key to quality cider. Simply put, it means that no single flavor should completely overwhelm the others. Acidity, sweetness, astringency, and roundness must play together in harmony. Be mindful, however, that ciders evolve over the years. A cider that may seem harsh and astringent in its first year can reveal a buttery profile just one year later.
A good cider is above all a cider that provides a lasting pleasure. Take a moment to focus on the full aromatic complexity that a cider can offer through its length. A single sip can provide several minutes of pure bliss.
As you will have gathered, there is no such thing as “the best” cider, but rather a whole range of styles to match your tastes and desires. To make the right choice, the best way remains to taste!
Ultimately, a good cider is one that moves you. A living cider that takes you on a journey and stirs your soul. It will convey a message, a story, a sensation. That is the kind of cider you’ll want to share and tell everyone about.
The right cider for you today might not be the one you choose tomorrow. It will shift with your moods, your relationships, the people you meet, your surroundings, or even the weather. So many variables that will influence your judgment at the moment.
So, let your emotions and intuition be your guide, and you will find exactly what “a good cider” means to you. Here, you are truly spoilt for choice.
The real answer lies in prioritizing where you buy your cider. Specialist wine merchants, dedicated distributors (like us), or buying directly from the producer are your best guarantees for finding high-quality products that truly resonate with you.
As we’ve seen in this article, the best cider will always be the one you enjoy most. To not leave you without any advice, here is a selection. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Want to learn more about cider? Check out the other articles in our guide:
