Here is a unique commercial cider from Crispin, 100% English made, from English bittersweet apples,
Cider: Browns Lane Imported Classic English Dry Cider
(named after first Jaguar car factory location in England)
Cidery: Crispin
Cidery Location: Colfax, CA
ABV: 5.8%
How Supplied: four pack of 16oz cans
Availability: wide release, year round (since 2011)
Description on Can: Authentically British, from its bespoke tailoring, to its superb craftsmanship, most defined by its world champion character. Classic English dry cider from English bittersweet cider apples.
Price: $8.99 / four pack (although I bought a single can for about $3)
Where Bought: Total Wine (although I’ve seen it other places, such as Fred Meyer & Whole Foods)
How Found: Browsing, after reading a review by Cider Sage which convinced me I may just like this one
Where Drank: home
Opinion: First impression is the amount of sparking when poured into the glass, and the deeper amber color, more so than many ciders. For some reason this really reminds me of semi-dry oak aged ciders, such as Schilling Oak Aged, although this is not barrel aged. I pick up a light earthy oak flavor. Even though this was drier, it was still very drinkable even to my palate which prefers sweeter ciders. I wouldn’t call it a fully dry cider though, as I have had a number of ciders which were more dry, even when usually trying to avoid them.
It starts out a bit sweeter (with an almost caramelized sugar type flavor) and finishes a bit drier, with the bittersweet apple flavor coming through. I wouldn’t however call it overly tart, which I have picked up in some drier ciders. I’m surprised how much I like this one actually! This is quite different than Crispin’s other selections, which vary from their fairly plain Original, to plain & blackberry pear varieties, to their Artisanal Reserve line. I’m curious how closely this actually resembles a traditional English Farmhouse cider, because if it does, I’m a fan!
Have you tried Crispin Browns Lane? What did you think?
Cider Says 