Review of Worley’s Red Hen.  It is my first time trying this English cider, but I have had their Special Reserve, Premium Vintage, and Mendip Hills.

Cider:  Red Hen
Cidery:  Worley’s
Cidery Location:  Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK
ABV:  6.2%
How Supplied:  500ml bottles
Style:  English cider from cider apples

  

Availability:  semi wide release

Cider Description:  Red Hen is a rich, satisfying cider made from a blend of early-season bittersweet cider apples with sharp apples from the same part of the season.  It is naturally the colour of golden straw and its two main characteristics are distinctive fruity apple and a lingering spicy tannin.  The name is inspired by our lovely flock of chickens.

Cidery Description:  Worley’s ciders are made on a 17th Century farm in England using fresh-pressed apple juice to create modern ciders with bold tannins and deep flavours.

Price:  $8
Where Bought:  Schilling Cider House in Seattle WA
Where Drank:  home
How Found:  browsing; this is the first time I’ve seen this variety

First Impression:  Medium orange amber hue.  Very low carbonation.  Smells rich, tannic, and funky.

Tasting Notes:  On the sweeter side of semi-dry.  Light bodied.  Low tartness, acidity, bitterness, and funk.  Moderate tannins.  No sourness.  Notes of caramel, orange, and leather.  Moderate length finish.  Moderate apple flavor, flavor intensity, sessionability, and complexity.

My Opinion:  I liked it.  However, its not one of my favorites, mostly due to the bitterness.

Most Similar to:  Worley’s Premium Vintage, although that seemed more complex and cost $11, and this was only $8.

Closing Notes:  My favorite Worley’s is Mendip Hills.

Have you tried English cider?  What did you think?