'Dabbler' by Dunham Press

 

Following our visit to the orchards and cidery on 14th February 2018 we took home two versions of this standout cider, one bottled and carbonated ready for sale and the other straight from the maturation vessel. The cider is made from 100% organic apples from the farm, harvested and pressed in 2017.

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The aroma from both was appley with the carbonated version having some caramel notes and the still more complex on the nose with more earthy notes. Both tasted pleasantly balanced with crisp apple sweetness balanced by enough bitterness and acidity to make it interesting. IMHO the still version allowed some more complex flavours to emerge.

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The light carbonation gave a nice refreshing quality with soft astringency and tannins whereas the still version was more astringent and the tannins more prominent. Both have a lovely long finish.

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Overall, both these versions are medium to dry refreshing cider and it’s so great to find this quality of tannic West Country style cider made in the Manchester area. A tannin led cider with a northern touch, it’s like a Dabinett from Herefordshire or Somerset, but with a lighter touch, possibly because of the colder climate with slightly lower temperatures slowing down the fermentation.

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