Magners Original

A nice off-dry cider from Ireland with a pronounced apple taste.

Foundry

A nice smooth near-dry cider with a medium apple flavour. I first had it on tap at a local pub then bought it in cans. It is made by the giant drinks manufacturer Diageo, but, unfortunately, I haven't seen it in stores for a few years. I hope it comes back. It was my go-to before Strongbow.

Thatcher's Gold

I tried this at the main tourist shop at Land's End in England. I found it far too sweet.

Symonds Founders Reserve

Tried this at a small pub in Edinburgh a few years ago, on tap. It was just off dry and smooth - very nice. I liked it so much I asked the waiter if I could take the Symonds glass with me. It is now my cider glass at home. Great!

Strongbow

My go-to regular cider. Reliably dry and smooth. (I avoid the Gold version which I find too sweet. 6.5/10) Also the original dry is widely available, sometimes on tap. 8.5/10

Original Dry

Gold

Found a cider review site RealCiderReviews that is a good resource.

My Ciders

This blog tracks my cider tastings, trying mostly ones from Canada, typically Ontario and B.C. Also those that I've tried while travelling which is mostly in England but also a few from the European continent. So far I've tried ciders from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, The Netherlands, and Sweden.

My favourites so far: West Avenue, Rock Creek Dry, Savanna Dry and Spy Golden Eye for still ciders and Vieni Sparkling for sparkling cider.

I am interested in trying Chalkdown sparkling cider which is made like Champagne and has won numerous awards.

Cider Festivals

• Armagh Food and Cider Festival
• Brogdale Cider Trail
• Devon County Show
• East Coast Cider Festival
• Les Mordus de la Pomme
• Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition
• Malvern Autumn Show
  
• Royal Bath & West Show