There are some interesting  things happening on the South Australian Cider scene at the moment. The brothers at The Barossa Valley Cider Co. with their Squashed Apple Cider are a great example of this, going from strength to strength in the market.

For a while the art of cider making had been lost in Australia. There was a time when the only ciders you could get in pubs where mass produced and could not be described as “real cider” by any industry groups definition. On the other hand Australia’s wine industry has a long history dating back to the First Fleet. Today Australia makes some of the worlds best red wines and white wines that more than hold there own on the international stage.

Today some of Australia’s wine knowledge has been put to use making excellent cider from non-traditional cider apples. This is exactly the story of Oscar & Hugo Bowen, Brothers who learnt how to ferment fruit with Barossa Valley red wine grapes. Sick on the staining power of red wine their attention turned to the apples growing in the Valley.

The Squashed Apple Cider is fermented at lower temperatures, which means the process takes longer as the yeast bacteria is less active. This help maintain the aromas of the apples while production a clear cider. The brothers say that the Squashed Apple Cider is gluten free and vegan friendly, as a real cider is only made from apples then this is to be expected.

The Nose

There are notes of fresh cut grass but these are hidden beneath a strong front of apple blossoms. One closer inspection one can detect apricot and baked apple.

The Taste

Squashed Apple Cider is very smooth in your mouth, a creamy texture only broken by the small tender bubbles that clear the palette.

The clear, golden-blonde cider with a big floral nose, is quite a sweet cider. At the same time it has a strong acid hit.Squashed Apple Cider - Barossa Valley Cider Co

I like that the cider is not over carbonated this allows you to concentrate on the complex flavours.

With out ice the flavour might be over powering for some. When ice is added it seems more balanced and comfortable.

Pairing Ideas

For all its complexity, this is a easy drinking cider. This would be a good afternoon drink to be shared at a barbeque. The sweetness would go well with some salty nibbles or even a steak sandwich with onions.

Final Thoughts on Barossa Valley Cider

As Australia doesn’t have the cider making traditions like the UK or Europe so our cider makers have learnt there trade in the wine industry making an Australian cider tradition with crisp refreshing ciders suited the Aussie heat, in the same way Australian lager’s are targeted. The Barossa Cider Co’s Squached Apple cider is a perfect example of this. A family creation developed with wine knowledge with a big enough flavour to stand up to being served ice cold.

Product Squashed Apple Cider
Company The Barossa Valley Cider Co
Sweetness Sweet
Acidity Medium Strong
alc./vol 5%
Website barossavalleyciderco.com
Country of Origin Australia
Region Barossa Valley, South Australia

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