Scape Goat Cider

Scape Goat Cider is labelled as a premium cider. I doubt it, but I’m going to drink it to find out. 

I’m pretty suspicious about this cider. The label on the bottle, says it is made by Mccashins Brewery in New Zealand for Pinnacle Drinks in Australia. The problem here is that neither company lists this beverage on their website. Are they ashamed? Well, let’s dive into the tasting notes. 

The Nose 

Nothing. There is nothing. 

This is odd. I’ve written about over 250 ciders and this is the first time I’ve attempted to smell a scentless cider. I put my nose in so deep some of the liquid hits my sinuses. I think my nose tasted something slightly appley but you get more scent from pool water. 

The Taste 

Vaguely Apple flavoured lemonade. This is a waste of time. This isn’t anything to do with cider. The Sugar flavour exhibits more terroir of a north Queensland sugarcane field than a New Zealand apple orchard. What little apple flavour exists is a cheap copy of the genuine article, it’s thin and watery. It clings to your mouth further extending the disappointment.

Final Thoughts on the Scape Goat Cider 

Where to start, where to start? Well let’s be positive – the glass bottle is recyclable, I claimed my 10c return and earn at the recycling centre. Not being listed on either producer’s website is unsurprising after I’ve experienced the “flavour”. I wouldn’t want to admit I created it either. 

Normally there is just one scapegoat that everyone blames, however, this industry has so many of these anonymous rubbish products out there at the moment that all deserve the blame for bringing Ciders’ name down. My gut feeling is that this label won’t be on the market for too long. It will be pulled and rebadged with some other faux hand-drawn craft-ish label and you’ll ask me to drink that rubbish in 9 months’ time.  It is a pointless drink, no need to consider it on your shopping list. 

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