BLACKTHORN CIDER
It’s getting hot out here in Austin, TX. We’re in triple digits all this week which lightweight makes me want to cry. But even if I did, the tears would just evaporate immediately. Hot weather calls for a cold one. So let’s crack one open for the homies.
I hope you are thirsty for some knowledge as much as you are thirsty for a cider because I learned SO MUCH while doing research on Blackthorn. This is the most fascinating cider I’ve come across thus far on our curiosity voyage that is We Like Tall Boys. Get ready!
Cider name: Blackthorn Cider
Origin: Somerset County, England (but packaged in Ireland)
Brewery Founded: 1972
ABV: 6% ABV
Price: $8.49/4-pack of 16.9oz tall boys
Taste: Although it doesn’t have a particularly apple-y taste, this is a refreshing, dry and tart cider. The aftertaste is wheat-y and soft, similar to the feeling of PBR. It does not have a tinny aftertaste which I get really nervous about when trying new ciders. This one is super refreshing and easy to drink.
How Do I Feel? I feel deeply pleased with this new discovery. Blackthorn is delicious AND cheap (two of my favorite things). I wanted something to enjoy all evening and this was a good choice. My sweetheart and I both really enjoyed the rocker/emo vibes we got from the can design.
Here’s what I learned about Blackthorn: According to The Campaign for Real Ale (aka CAMRA, a whole organization dedicated to the authenticity of brewed beverages), a real cider contains “at least 90% fresh apple juice with no added flavorings or colourings.”
So apparently according to this definition, Blackthorn isn’t a real cider because it contains apple concentrate, sugar, and sweeteners. Furthermore it is fermented with a controlled yeast strain. Usually, a traditional cider is fermented by the wild yeast found in the apple skins.
Blackthorn cider is made from apples in Somerset County in England. The apples there are bittersweet and are known as “Thorn,” hence the name.
According to the Blackthorn website, it all started in 1972 when the west county of England wanted to make a cider and they were inspired by the Blackthorn tree whose apples got sweeter after a cold winder. HARDCORE, NO? The apples apparently have low acidity and high tannins. Tannins “lend an astringent, drying bitterness and body to your cider.”
Poundability: 10/10 This is a drink you can sip on all evening! Since it’s not supersweet, you can enjoy this beverage on its own for an extended period of time.
When to drink a Blackthorn Cider: This is a perfect drink for a hot day. You can also enjoy this drink while you are registering to vote! This website helps you check your registration status, set up voting by mail, and locate a polling place near you. You can also set up reminders so you don’t forget to use your voice in the upcoming election. Your vote matters so much!
Cheers,
Erin
