Stowford Press Low Alcohol Cider

From one of Herefordshire’s great traditional cider-makers, Westons, a low alcohol version of one of its most popular brands. The attractive packaging makes a strong nod to the original but states its low alcohol-ness clearly enough, too. The cider itself is an appealingly warm straw colour, and the first waft on opening is of clean, zingy fruit that promises proper cidery satisfaction. The pour has the dependably subtle fizz of quality. A first sip signals lots of complexity in flavour, the depth only improving the more you taste. Described as medium dry, it is toward the drier end, with a crisp astringency on the cheeks and a bittersweet punch of fruity apple as it hits the throat, giving a satisfyingly long finish. Westons have been around since 1880 and have long been cider pioneers. Their Stowford Press Low Alcohol was one of the first such products on the market, launched in 1994. As we understand, it has been tweaked  over the years but not enormously, which makes sense as its quality speaks for itself. All in all, a top notch everyday cider, especially for those who like the dryness in their cider softened by a touch more fruit.