Zeffer Apple Crumble Infused Cider

New Zealand’s Zeffer Cider has released a cider into the Australian market. The team that is making a name for themselves with infused ciders have revealed the Zeffer Apple Crumble Infused Cider.

So, what exactly is an Apple Crumble infused cider? Well, Zeffer takes fresh Hawkes Bay apples and pressed pulp and the skins releasing the juice. Then sticks of cinnamon and vanilla pods are added to the fresh juice before the ferment.

There is a bit of a debate in the cider world if it is ok to add non-fermentable flavourings into a cider. More Cider makers are playing with hops, elderflower has been used in England for generations. Can vanilla and cinnamon fall into that catagory?  Personally I don’t think we have scratched the surface of apple varity and yeast combinatons, but lets see if the proof is in the pudding.

The Nose

The can says apple crumble infused cider and that is precisely what it delivers. It packs a punch of baked apples brown sugar and cinnamon. Oh, so much cinnamon. If you like Big Red chewing gum, you are going to like this.

The Taste

Everything that is in the nose transfers over to taste with the small addition of a few vanilla beans thrown in for good measure. They call it the Zeffer Apple Crumble Infused Cider for a reason. That description is bang on, well maybe if the baker put an extra shake of cinnamon powder in the mix. That spice hangs around long into the finish.

The cider is lightly sparkling which promotes the flavours. It’s on the sweeter end of the spectrum but is not clingy. I wonder if the vanilla makes it seem sweeter than its sugar level?

Final Thoughts on the Zeffer Apple Crumble Infused Cider

The first sip is a whirlwind of cognitive dissidence. The cider confuses the brain that is expecting warm apples and a bit of crumble crunch when it gets that cold fizz signal from the taste buds.

There are going to be plenty of people who like this. I like what they are trying to do but it’s just a little too heavy on the cinnamon, which I’m not a big fan of on most days. You can tell there is a solid sessionable cider lurking underneath. Maybe I need to follow the pairing guide and serve it with vanilla ice cream, Cider Spider Float anyone?

Don’t forget to get your Real Cider Reviews merch