Taste test

THIS WEEK:

Aspall Perronelle's Blush

Suffolk Cyder with a dash of blackberry liqueur

Lucy Enever

27, Essex

I'm a real fan of cider, and normally drink Magners or another bottled brand, unless a nice cider on draught is available, when I would probably opt for that.

Although I've tried most cider brands on offer in pubs, I tend to be a creature of habit, sticking to those familiar drinks I enjoy regularly.

However, if someone tells me about a new product, I'm certainly willing to try it.

When I first drank this,

I expected it to taste more

of apples, with a bite that was more tart, but it was actually very balanced. The taste of blackberries was refreshing.

Surprisingly, given that it contains blackberry liqueur, it did not taste sweet at all, and every sip was delicious.

When I drink fruit beers I find I can only have a couple because they tend to taste a bit sweet after a while, but this was not too cloying.

Looking at the bottle, you'd imagine it to be like an old-school, West Country farmhouse cider, just because the labelling looks so traditional. But actually it has a very modern and interesting style. I'd definitely order it in the pub, as I really liked it.

I haven't seen Aspall's cider before, but the story on the back of this product's label, describing the heritage of the family business, and explaining that the drink was named after a relative of the family, has made me want to try more.

I will certainly look out for its products in the future.

Score: 18/20