Throughout this blog I intend to write from what I know, I will never pretend to do otherwise, and one thing i know is what a good drop entails. Perhaps not boasted about by many and by that i mean boasted by everybody is that many an alcoholic delight have passed these lips and i pride myself on trying new things of different varieties and origin.

The latest fad – as it can only be described – is that of the deliciously refreshing cider varieties that have hit the shops and most importantly the eclectic dan murphys. So many delicious ciders to choose from and each holding their own individual taste and style. You can’t determine which is best as each cider, i believe, is situational. There are of course the good and the bad but the good are all expected to fulfil a need in a certain situation.

The inner psyche of the cider aside here are what I, so far, rate as the top ciders*:

Top 3 delicious ciders:

  • Rekorderlig
  • Napoleone & Co. Punt Road
  • Bulmers/Magners

Close runner up is the Mercury Ciders, Draught being my favourite – cheap, appley and refreshing. You cant go wrong with this cider for every occasion.

Rekorderlig: Variety of flavours for this one, all as sweet as each other. This cider, especially the strawberry lime version, out does itself. Smooth & sweet to drink with a little kick after one or two. Could be described as too sweet by some however the sweetness involved doesn’t seem to make you want to stop drinking it. Where after some sugary drinks you are left with the feeling that the sugar is dissolving your teeth, this brand of cider does not leave you feeling anything but satisfaction with a smile after consuming.

Napoleone & Co: This delight was discovered at  The Cherry Tree Hotel and then later at the local IGA close to my work at the time. This cider has a bittersweet taste that I can only relate to a red delicious apple. A sensational drop. Not as easy to drink as rekordelig but for a one or two in the afternoon it is absolute class.

Bulmers/Magners: Soon to be in every pub in the world. This brand has been marketed well. Same beverage – different name – win win. This is a good pub drink. Refreshing, Marketed well and just plain nice to have to replace beer. Many a pint has been drank of this and I am sure many to come on my travels to the UK. Smooth light apple flavour, dry finish, easy to drink – which is the ideal for a cider beverage.

Top 3 unrateable ciders (i.e i dont like and wont try):

  • 5 Seeds
  • Castaway
  • Strongbow Sweet

5 Seeds & Castaway: I must combine these two as they can only be described as the same boat – the boat of which being a dinghy in the comparison of the giant ships of cider dominating the ocean. Beer companies attempting cider and failing by making this taste like bland old apples mixed with beer. Not Interested and quite off put by the amount of this available on tap at pubs and in bottle shops compared to the other delicious cider options out there. I suppose these beverages are supported by boganity australia. I apologise in advance for my “snotty” view on this poor beverage but i couldnt help myself.

Strongbow Sweet: Whilst i have been known to enjoy a strongbow from now and again due to the limited options in the poor Maitland town i live in, it definitely is a low-grade cider and the lowest of this grade is the sweet version. – enjoyed by uneducated palates i.e me when i had just e 18 this is the seediest of the ciders i am yet to taste – if you are going to sink this low just have a Smirnoff double black.

Ciders have really changed the world of boozing in my eyes. When you cant handle the heaviness of beer or the bitterness of wine you have cider, when it is way to early for spirits you have cider, and when it’s just plain too early in the day to start drinking, cider is their as a juice like alternative.

I look very forward to exploring the ciders of the world in my travels as I am sure there will be plenty more exceptional versions out there. My love of this beverage can only be supported by the fact that this entire blog was created with pint of cider in hand. The way everyone should enjoy a Saturday afternoon.

*  I have one and only one bias in this decision. I dislike the taste of pears therefore my top ciders are purely based off the apple & berry versions of the companies ciders and MOST definitely NOT pear.