Bring out the cider, bring out the cider, for tonight we’ll merry be……….and so the song(s) go. I love cider, it is one of my favourite drinks and has the capability of having as many varieties as wine. The drink can be sweet, dry, bitter and be distinctively different depending on the varieties of apples used to make it. I like mine to be less sweet, more sharp and tasting less of apple than some do. I bought a bottle of cider a day or two ago and I am going to open it this afternoon. It is a simple commercial product and will not taste anything like that brewed in the southwest of our fair land. Cider made in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall are the most flavoursome and strong ciders ever to be made. ‘Scrumpy’ is the term most used to name these brews and it is indeed extremely strong. Traditionally here in the UK if one visits the southwest and asks for a pint of the local brew you may be offered but a half pint for your own good. Those not used to drinking the stuff might find themselves admiring the ceiling sooner than they might have expected. So I’ll be content with the less strong commercial liquid until I can visit down south and bring some real stuff home. Cheers everyone! Now bring out the cider and let’s be merry…….
Shirley Anne
