Our friends at Ross on Wye Cider have put together something very special for you in this month’s case. They’ve taken five single-varietal ciders and then blended them into a special exclusive cider just for us! This celebrates the unique characteristics of each of the different apple varieties and showcases the real skill of the cidermaker which is in blending them together to form the perfect symphony. Try each of the unusual single-varietals individually and then try the blend. Can you pick out the individual flavours? Do you think that the blend makes the most of the individual ingredients? Why not try it yourself and see if you can come up with your own special blend!
Reinette d'Oby (6.8%)
If we could taste colours, this would be the definition of yellow. A lovely, late season sharp that is all about the fruit. Light acidity and gentle texture evokes images of pineapple or melon. A very old variety originally hailing from France, the trees grow tall but brittle, and are susceptible to disease. But every year they dutifully crop and provide us with joy.
Bisquet (6.3%)
For more than one hundred years, British orchardists have been growing this French variety of apple, which we knew as 'Michelin.' But now the truth is out! DNA fingerprinting reveals that this apple is in fact the variety 'Bisquet'! And 'Michelin' is a different, distinct variety. How curious! This apple is a classic, delightful bittersweet. Fresh hay and lemon notes with rich, smooth tannins. One of our favourites.
Bulmers Norman (7.4%)
A very common variety due to its use as a stembuilder (with its vigorous growth), but the apple itself is often overlooked for being challenging and too tannic. However, when fully ripe, Bulmers Norman can be beautifully expressive, with its intense flavour providing a unique point of difference. In this bottle we have a glorious bittersweet balance - low acidity, fruitiness, and then gorgeous tannins. Bulmers Norman: press when yellow, drink when mature. Then you shall have a cider to smile about!
Tremletts Bitter (6.5%)
A revered old variety from Devon. It produces a gorgeous ruby red apple that holds a fierce, bitter flavour, with huge character. Few bittersweet apples smell as luscious as Tremletts, which has a recognisable fruity aroma, followed by a fruity mid palate that can be dominated by the strong tannins to finish. However, given time to mature, those tannins soften and the result is a very tasty single variety cider.
Ashton Brown Jersey (7.2%)
It has been three years since our single row of 15 Ashton Brown Jersey trees fruited successfully. Frustrated by biennalism and by the rampaging 'Ermine Moth', we have been eagerly awaiting the day where we would once again bottle this delightful bittersweet apple. An underrated and uncommon variety, developed at the Long Ashton Research Station in Somerset, ABJ is a very low acid, high tannin fruit with leathery and spicy notes. Delicious.
Bristol Cider Shop Exclusive Blend (6.8%)
This unique cider has been blended specially for Bristol Cider Shop. We went into our cider barn and identified five delicious single variety ciders: individually they provide the colours for the cidermakers palate, that when combined, form a painting. We have two parts Reinette d'Oby with one part each of the four bittersweets. Thus we have the classic British cider blend: one third sharps, two thirds bittersweets. A cider with body, with upfront juiciness that softens the complex tannins on the finish. Cheers!
Allergens: Contains sulphites
This case is available as a standalone case or you can subscribe to receive it at a discount as part of our Craft Cider Subscription for only £20 a month plus delivery.
How quickly will I get my order?
We will ship all orders in two working days maximum, often the next day. Deliveries are only made Monday to Friday, by our courier, DHL.
Can I request delivery for a specific day?
Unfortunately we can't guarantee delivery for a specific date, but will try our best to delay it if needed for a future date. Just add a note at the 'Cart' page in the 'special instructions' box. Or drop us an email queries@bristolcidershop.co.uk with your order number and we will get back to you.
What happens If I am not in?
Because we are shipping a Licensed product (alcohol), parcels wont normally be left in safe places. One of three things will happen if you are not in at the time of your delivery.
1. It will be delivered to a neighbour and signed for - the tracking will show a photo of where your parcel has been delivered. Calling cards are not left so please keep a close eye on your tracking information for updates.
2. Your parcel will be returned to the depot and a redelivery will be attempted the next working day. DHL will make three delivery attempts before your parcel is returned to us, where there will be a charge for further delivery attempts after this time. Alternatively a full refund for the cost of the product will be issued on its safe return.
3. You can tailor the delivery via your DHL tracking email. This includes choosing a future, preferred delivery date or choosing a DHL Service Point to redirect your delivery to. More information can be found out on the DHL website.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery is £6.95 for most of UK for your first case and then £2.95 for additional ones. Rather than hiding the delivery cost in the product price and offering free delivery (there’s no such thing as free delivery!) we’d rather be transparent about the cost of the product and the cost of the delivery.
Are there any places you cannot ship?
We currently only ship within the UK. Delivery to UK islands, Scottish Islands and Scottish Highlands postcodes may cost extra - delivery charges will be displayed at checkout after you have entered your delivery address. Unfortunately we cannot ship outside the UK.
I live in Bristol. Can I collect?
Unfortunately our licence doesn’t allow us to have customer collections on site so we can only take orders for delivery, sorry!
How can I track my order?
When we ship your order, you will receive an email from us containing a tracking code from our couriers, DHL . The quickest way to track your parcel is to follow the tracking link and this will show you the status of your delivery in real time. This will also allow you to change any delivery details if you need to. If you have any further problems, please email us at queries@bristolcidershop.co.uk and we will do our best to help. Sorry we don't have a phone number.
Can I add a Gift Message?
Yes you can, simply add it in at checkout and we will include it on a card. No invoices nor sensitive information are included in the boxes, so no pricing information is given out, should you be sending a gift straight to a lucky recipient.