Blackthorn Apple Cider is recreating a new taste in ciders and becoming the most loved and favourable flavour in Nigeria. Do you know why?
This secret blend of ‘bittersweet’ cider Apples delivers a distinctive and unforgettable medium-dry taste that remains true to its Somerset roots. It is one of England’s best-known and most loved ciders, now in Nigeria.
For lovers of good beer and wine, Blackthorn is the new flavour in town!
Since its launch in Nigeria in 2019, take a look at wherever you see two or three Nigerians hanging out in a bar. People with a good time in their rendezvous with arrays of assorted drinks and having an excellent time to unwind in order to overlook all the worries that life might bring. You would see apple cider is gracing the lists on the menu, especially when it comes to tasting a new bud, Nigerians would love to explore it. Â
Among the local beers in Nigeria now, Blackthorn Apple Cider is one of the new ‘trademark’ in town making the impression in our sports bars, and events and Nigerians are beginning to savour its content refreshing taste.
Blackthorn Apple Cider is a drink specially created for the Nigerian market. It has a highly revitalising taste and a light fizz similar to Champagne.
Blackthorn was founded in the rugged hills of Somerset in a county which inspires a spirit of courage and determination. With its distinctive clean, crisp taste, Blackthorn Cider is founded on a passion for never settling for ordinary.
Today, Blackthorn still uses bittersweet apples native to the West Country of England and is affectionately known by the locals as ‘Thorn’.
They were inspired by the mysterious Blackthorn tree, whose fruit becomes sweeter from enduring a harsh, bitter winter. It symbolises the truth that many of life’s most precious moments come from embracing and conquering the challenges life throws at you.
Blackthorn only uses ‘Bittersweet’ cider apples in our secret blend to create the refreshingly crisp dry Blackthorn taste.
They have the perfect combination of low acidity and high tannins that gives Blackthorn a more complex and full-bodied character than other ciders, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. But don’t just take our word for it, ‘Grab Life by the Thorn’ for yourself.
Blackthorn Cider is a cider produced by Gaymer Cider Company, a subsidiary of C&C Group. Previously it was known as Blackthorn Dry or Dry Blackthorn. It is sold in various forms, commonly being served draught in pubs or being sold in 440 ml (15 mp fl oz; 15 US fl oz) cans or two-litre bottles in shops or supermarkets.
As a non-traditional pasteurised sparkling cider, Blackthorn does not fit the definition of “real cider” as defined by the Campaign for Real Ale. Where traditional cider is made with whole pressed apples fermented by the wild yeasts present on the skins, Blackthorn contains apple concentrate, sugar and sweeteners and is fermented with a controlled yeast strain.
Cider Tasting Notes
- The Smell: Medium mature rustic apple. Sweet and syrupy. Astringency and acidity.
- Initial Taste: Mild bite with smooth and acidic single apple flavour. Thick and syrupy. Some presence of tannins from the cider apples. Tangy and malty.
- After Taste: Mature and rustic apple flavours appear with some fermentation flavour showing up. Not overly long-lasting and becomes a bit sweeter. It is a bit of a beer after taste.
- When On ice: Ice cuts flavour, thickness, tanginess and carbonation. It shortens the after taste a bit. Some additional malty notes appear.
It has been around for a long time, which is since 2001. Blackthorn has a lot of characteristics of a typical Somerset cider, a thicker cider. It has a strong character to it and perfect for pub consumption. Also, it is both relatively dry and crisp.
The Cider Profile
Brand: Blackthorn
Type: Apple – Dry
Location of Brewing: Shepton Mallet, England
ABV: 8.4%
Website Link: Blackthorn Cider
Ingredients: Fermented Apple Juice, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Malic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium metabisulphite, Sulphites
Gluten-Free: Yes
Sugar Content: 29g/L Size(s) Available: 500mL (Can)
Availability: LCBO and various grocery stores. Select bars
Flavour: Apple
Colour: Rustic orange
Carbonation: Small semi-frequent streaming bubbles. Mild foam on the head.
Blackthorn Apple Cider has the perfect combination of low acidity and high tannins that gives Blackthorn a more complex and full-bodied character than other ciders, but that’s what makes it so satisfying.
Well, the year 2020 might be rough due to pandemic, but events and sports still keep Nigerians connected to the bar where they always found the favorite apple cider to refresh their taste!
Now available in Nigeria, grab yours!
Watch out for the next article as GruvCity speaks with the owner and distributor of Blackthorn Apple Cider in Nigeria.
