Gaymers K Cider (US version)

Brewed by Matthew Clark Cider
Style: Cider
Bristol, England

Not only is the bottle attractive, the label also promises much in that it claims to be the "ultimate in quality" and "hand crafted" from Somerset apples. Without a question in my mind, at least, there is little comparison for this with the finest English cask ciders, especially those that are poured gravity taps. It simply lacks the depth of fruit flavor, the natural sour edge, the authenticity of appearance, rich intricacies in the finish. However, this is a very strong competitor to the common (and often quite miserable) ciders populating U.S. (and for that matter, the U.K.) bar/pub cider selections. Deep golden color (much richer color than Woodchuck, e.g.) with a quickly dissipating head. The palate does not reflect much carbonation, and as the carbonation leaves it, there is still decent body holding it together. This is not a sweet cider; it has a dry Riesling aroma and fruity, almost vinous white wine flavor. The alcohol is muted, though obviously present, with a slight tang suggesting sweetness though fading into the dry finish. Little phlegm or stickiness after a whole bottle, testament to its lack of sweet notes. In the end it strikes me that it is missing flavor--it is nice for what it is, and it has flavor, but each sip had me wanting for another sip because I was looking either for fruit or effect (as some ciders have a lambic quality). Decent cider, worthy of drinking if you're going to be drinking common ciders.

Having traveled around southwest England for two weeks this summer, I tried many farm ciders, straight from the barrel, the honest to god real cider that never makes it into a bottle. I feel that this is the closest I have found in the USA to a Real English Cider. It seems that most people think its sweet, not me, compared to Strongbow or Blackthorn or Magners, this is very dry. It reminds me of sitting in the "Ye Olde Cider Bar" in Newton Abbot, England and having a fine "dry" cider from an oak barrel. This is the best cider I have had in the U.S.

Actually I found this hard to rate as it is so far apart from the beer that I love. No head, medium gold color, strong apple taste, not bad but to be honest I would have rather had a bud than this. (and that is not saying much).

A nice medium gold color and somewhat sweet aroma start off this cider. This one seems more sweet, less tart that others. Not a bad cider, but not a great one.

Doesn't have that sweetness that most ciders seem to have - evident that this is a bit stronger. Alcohol is hidden well though - does not distract. Apple juice appearance - no apparent aroma. Goes down pretty smooth - a little rougher around the edges than most ciders.

I've rated almost all the ciders I've had with close to the same rating, because the commerical ones all taste about the same. And guess what? This tastes like sweet apples as well! Has more of a tart taste than many, but not as tart as the Woodchuck Granny Smith. A pretty good cider and I will give this one credit for being 7% ABV and hiding the alcohol VERY well.

This is some bad crap. The flavor was unwholesome and uninteresting. I whole bottle would have torn out my stomach lining.

Yellow, heavily carbonated. Good looking package. Not too sweet. Refreshing. I do wish the bottle was a little bigger.