"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." – Benjamin Franklin (founding father, homebrewer)

Blackthorn Cider

Posted: February 11th, 2008 | Author: Stacy | Filed under: Beer Reviews, Cider, Commercial Brew, What's that in your fridge? | 6 Comments »

Blackthorn Cider
Blackthorn Cider
The first time I had a hard cider wasn’t in England. I was 16 when I was in England and in our academic program we weren’t allowed to drink unless we wanted to be shipped back to the states (which did actually happen to some kids). No, the first time I had a cider was at a British-style pub here in Portland, The Horse Brass Pub. And the cider they had on tap was Blackthorn, which at the time I thought was pretty tart and interesting! It seemed so dry and champagne-y, and quite different from the Guinness I usually ordered at the Horse Brass.

So now that I’m on the cider train, I decided to buy a bottle of Blackthorn over the weekend. We cracked it open last night, and much to my surprise it tasted really sweet and juicy, not dry like I remembered. Have my taste buds changed so much? Apparently so! The cider I made in the fall is far more tart and dry — think geuze — than this so-called dry cider. Not that I’m complaining, but it’s amazing what 12 years will do to your perception of flavor. Back then, I didn’t like cilantro or seafood, either.

Another huge change for Blackthorn is their branding! The branding I know and remember is semi-gothic and mildly druidic in nature. But if you go to the official Blackthorn site, you’ll see semi-clad Asian vampire lesbians and people with tribal tattoos! Even more awesome is that I recognize their “models” from a Photodisc CD called “Faces of Diversity.” And their new slogan — “piercing refreshment” — is supposed to make Blackthorn appeal to an alternative crowd? C’mon! In Britain, cider is a kids’ and ladies’ drink, not the preferred drink of hardcore alternaBrits. I really wish I could hear the marketing pitch on that one…

While hardly an extreme cider that will quench the thirst of a thousand angry rebellious tattoo artists, Blackthorn cider is a tasty refreshment and is definitely best on tap.

Or, you could make your own cider…

6 Comments on “Blackthorn Cider”

  1. 1 Collin said at 11:05 am on July 4th, 2008:

    Where’d you find Blackthorn to buy the bottle? My sister’s been trying to find it and hasn’t had any luck so far :)

  2. 2 Stacy said at 6:50 pm on July 6th, 2008:

    I bought it at Belmont Station in Portland, OR. There are a few places here that sell it, but I’m not sure how available it is in other cities/states.

  3. 3 Collin said at 9:23 pm on July 6th, 2008:

    Thanks! (and we’re in Portland, so the advice is very helpful) :)

  4. 4 Mick said at 12:56 am on October 26th, 2008:

    Hi there from Somerset….home of cider!! and in particular home of Blackthorn, which is made just down the road at Shaepton Mallet. Blackthorn from the tap does taste different from the can/bottle. I can drink Blasckthorn in a pub no worries at all…but from the can it is rank!!!!!

    Try and get Thatchers Cider its lush!!!!!! google them and see the different varieties they do!

    Mick

  5. 5 Mick said at 1:13 am on October 26th, 2008:

    While it is true that the majority of British kids start their drinking careers on Merrydown or White Lightning Cider. It is also true the girls do like half a cider and blackcurrent.

    More over, cider is a regional drink…..here in the South West of England more cider is drunk in pubs and at home than beer. Some of the rough ciders are sold under then counter because they would kill mere mortals!! Cider is the domain of the countryman, its stronghold being country and market town pubs as well as illicit drink clubs where the older guys will get together to make their own harsh concoctions!!!

    However this year has seen a marked rise in cider as a youth drink, with bootled ‘fresh’ ciders, perry (pear cider) and fruit flavoured ciders drunk over ice being very popular. The cider bus at Glastonbury Festival is extremely popular among the ‘tattoo clad’!!!

    May I suggest a visit to Somerset to re-evaluate your stance on British cider drinking habits?? I guaruntee you will enjoy!!!

  6. 6 Magners said at 3:34 am on August 17th, 2010:

    Hey greetings from UK – cider is so popular over here it’s great. I can get my favourite types (Magners, Strongbow) in nearly all pubs. I really like Pear Cider too.

    Happy cider drinking! :)

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