Cider on comeback

CARYS MONTEATH

MOUTHFUL OF APPLE: Eve's NV Cider is a very drinkable, clean, refreshing cider.

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One thing I have not drunk a lot of is cider. Not because I don't like the stuff, more because there aren't many good ciders.

New Zealand has never really been a cider-drinking country, but things seem to be changing, although slowly.

Historically, England has been the cider-drinking capital of the world. Over the centuries many cider apple varieties have been cultivated and by the 17th century, when every farm and hamlet seemed to have its own cider-making operation, production and consumption was at a peak.

The industrialisation of beer brewing put a halt to cider's popularity, as big breweries were able to make large quantities of cheap beer to satisfy the masses. Small traditional cider makers disappeared and by the end of the 20th century mass-produced cider dominated what was left of the market.

However, the long history of cider making ensured that the knowledge and passion did not disappear and even now there are still several family-owned cider makers operating.

In the past 15 years England's resurgence of traditional cider- making has mirrored the craft- brewing industry.

Here, where we don't have a cider history, things have not really taken off. In the past 10 years a handful of traditional ciders have been made but they have not been big sellers. Now, I think, there is a momentum for change and rather than mass- produced, generic, sweet cider on our liquor outlet shelves, keep an eye out for locally made, aromatic and dry cider coming to a store near you.

Today I am featuring a newly released locally made cider called Eve's NV Cider.

It is the first release of the newly formed KJD Brewing Company, headed by Kirsten Taylor. She has 16 years' beer-brewing experience and decided it was time to get into the craft-cider market.

This first release uses a blend of New Zealand apple varieties and a riesling yeast.

It is fermented at low temperatures for up to three weeks to preserve the aromatics. It is fermented dry so you can taste the fruit - what a novel idea.

There are plans to produce more ciders and maybe even some beer. So watch out for KJD Brewing Company at your liquor outlet.

I poured my bottle of NV cider into a tall glass. The thin watery head that formed disappeared quickly to leave thin wisps. The liquid was clear with a rich, pale golden glow. The nose was sweetish with lots of apple fruit and a hint of apple skins. It was soft and round in the mouth initially.

The sweetness through the middle is just right. Enough to carry the apple flavours and balance the edge of acidity. The fruit intensifies into the finish where things dry out at the back of the mouth. A hint of tannins and acidity finish things off and cleanse the palate.

This is a very drinkable, clean, refreshing cider.

Eve's NV Cider
Style: Cider.
Made By: KJD Brewing, Christchurch.
Alcohol content: 5 per cent abv.
Price: $7 a 500ml bottle.
Available: Riccarton Farmers' Market, Fresh Choice Parklands and Merivale, New World Avonhead and Fendalton.
Description: A mouthful of apple fruit with a dry apple skin finish.

- © Fairfax NZ News