However, Wetherspoons have rolled out its Craft Cider Festival, and suddenly the humble apple drink becomes the star of the show.
Across pubs nationwide, the taps are taken over by a rotating cast of craft and traditional ciders — some from the UK’s oldest orchards, others from indie producers you’ve probably never heard of (but will definitely want to try again).
Whether you’re into dry and punchy, sweet and fruity, or something weird and wonderful there’s something for everyone.
The festival runs from June 27 to July 6, with 15 separate ciders on offer, and pints cost £2.99.
So naturally, I made my way down to the local Wetherspoons, the Woodrow Wilson on Botchergate, to sample a cider.
I stepped into the usual, full of day drinkers enjoying their weekend, and approached the bar. I asked the barmaid for the weirdest flavour of cider they had.
We both deliberated, then eventually ended up agreeing “It’s objectively the Rum and Raisin flavour.” The brand was a Broadoak Moonshine Rum & Raisin cider, boasting a four per cent ABV, from Somerset.
Now, I enjoy a drink, but I am not a fan of rum, and the last time I ate raisins was out of a small cardboard box in primary school as a midday snack.
The cider, which was flat, don’t worry it’s meant to be, was expertly poured by the barmaid, who I must say offered brilliant service.
I made my way to a quiet corner of the pub, took my photos and approached the first sip.
Now, I was apprehensive, two tastes I either don’t like, or haven’t had for a long time, what could go wrong? Well, not much. The first sip was pleasant, but very sweet.
I made my way through the pint, and before I give my verdict, I must preface, I am not a cider expert, and I certainly can’t expertly critique the pint, but I’ll give it a go.
The taste is very distinctive, foreign, yet kind of familiar. You can definitely notice the two components of the drink, firstly you get hit with a very sweet raisin flavour, followed by a sharp rum aftertaste.
The flavour softens after the sip is taken, you experience more subtle sweet tones.
The overall verdict I would give, is a very sweet pint, not for session drinking in my opinion, I’d limit myself to two pints of this cider. But it was an enjoyable experience and well worth a visit to your local Wetherspoons.
