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Chalkdown Cider

An English cider producer has made an exceptional sparkling cider made using the champagne method. Chalkdown Cider has won numerous awards for this unique cider. I have yet to try it.

Duntroon Empire Extra Dry Cyder

I reviewed the regular Duntroon cider here. They have now released an extra dry version. It is nice light apple bouquet and taste, and is quite dry with a pleasant tartness. Very nice. Would make a good accompaniment to white meat or seafood. My rating 9/10.

CAMRA - real cider!

In Britain the laws regulating cider specify that it contain a minumum of only 35% apple juice (or concentrate). This seems extremely low considering the number of Canadian ciders I have tried that list only apples as the ingredient. In France cider must be made from 100% apples. 

A voluntary organization in the UK called the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA)  advocates for higher minimum standards for what they refer to as "real ale", "real cider" and "real perry", as well as traditional British pubs. With 165,000 members it is the largest consumer advocacy group in the UK.

Rock Creek Dry

Located in western Canada with cideries in both Vancouver and Calgary, Rock Creek makes a different type of cider in Canada because of the use of British and European apple varieties: Bulmers, Norman, Belle de Boskoop and Bramley. Amber coloured, it has a pronounced apple flavour up front that lingers, and is nicely off dry. Very Nice. 9/10!

Spy Golden Eye

A new cider from Spy Cider House and Distillery in Blue Mountain, Ontario. A very light bouquet with a light champagne colour. The taste is light and refreshing with a taste similar to Strongbow but a little lighter, more tart and slightly drier — which I like. My new favorite. 9/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They also make an Eau de Vie, a clear apple brandy.

KW Craft Cider

A different kind of dry cider from Kitchener, Ontario. They uses Champagne yeast for the fermentation. It has a light colour and a light taste with a touch of pear. 7.5/10

Lost Craft

Lost Craft is a semi-dry cider from Toronto. Of ciders I've tasted it has one of the strongest apple flavours, especially since it has no additives. Very nice!

Growers 1927 Premium Dry

From the range of the popular Growers brand, their premium dry is somewhat dry but still sweeter than I like. The list of ingredients notes "natural flavour" added but it has an artificial apple aftertaste. My rating 5/10.

Apple Falls Cider - Prince Edward County

A small family run cider producer in Prince Edward County, Apple Falls makes a number of quality ciders, most tending to be on the dry side.