Based in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, the Hills Cider Company (see what they did there?) has built a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative beverages – with a focus on ethicality, locality and sustainability. Indeed, for their signature NA brew, the Hills Cider Company Apple, they claim to use 100% fresh, locally sourced apples with no added concentrates, sugars or artificial flavours.
Which is nice.
After all, when you’re located in an area known for the quality of its soils, a decent climate and, ergo, a great fruit product, why would you do any differently?
Does it translate into a top-notch non-alcoholic cider?
Let’s find out.
Appearance
The Hills Cider Company Non-Alcoholic Apple is bright and golden in the glass. You can see the filtration, if that’s a thing. Unlike cloudier, rustic-style ciders, this brew opts for a modern, polished appearance. It’s not a million miles from fresh apple juice – although with bubbles, of course.
Speaking of which, the bubbles, while delicate, rise steadily with just the right level of carbonation.
Aroma
The aroma of The Hills Cider Company Non-Alcoholic Apple is a refreshing burst of fresh fruitiness. Dominated by notes of crisp green apples and sweet red varieties, it immediately conjures memories of biting into a just-picked apple. Supporting this dominant scent are subtle undertones of pear and citrus, adding layers of complexity and freshness.
This cider’s bouquet is delicate yet vibrant, showcasing the natural qualities of the fruit without any artificial or cloying elements. There’s a faint earthiness beneath the fruity top notes, reminiscent of walking through an orchard during harvest. This grounding element adds authenticity to the experience, bridging the gap between the crafted beverage and the raw fruit it celebrates.
As the cider warms in the glass, its aroma deepens. Notes of baked apple, subtle honey, and a whisper of cinnamon emerge, providing a richer sensory experience. While some might find the aroma slightly restrained compared to the bold, funky scents of fermented ciders, the subtlety is an asset here, offering a clean and natural aromatic profile that aligns with its non-alcoholic identity.
Taste
When it comes to flavour profile, The Hills Cider Company Non-Alcoholic Apple is, well, the best word for it is ‘fresh’. There’s a good balance struck between the tartness of green apples and the softer taste of custard apples.
It’s a lot less sweet than many ciders (and indeed many non-alcoholic drinks full stop), so it leans to the dry side with a refreshing zing. As the taste develops, you get secondary notes of lemon, pear and vanilla. You might even get a hint of minerality emerging at the end.
The best thing, as I mentioned, is that lack of cloying sweetness, avoiding the syrupy quality often found in mass-produced ciders. This means you get more of the apple’s inherent character on the palate.
And given it is an apple cider, I think that is a very good thing.
Mouthfeel
Simply put: light, crisp and refreshing. Its carbonation is gentle but persistent and the cider’s light body ensures it is easy to drink. It’s not like your hearty English alcoholic ciders, but the lighter weight makes it very easy-drinking.
As the cider settles on the palate, it leaves behind a subtle, clean sensation. There is no residual stickiness, which is another testament to the restrained sugar content.
Finish
The finish of The Hills Cider Company Non-Alcoholic Apple leaves a hint of apple skin and a soft, acidity. The ending is understated and not super-long. There’s none of the lingering funk of traditional ciders which could be a bad thing (if you are a real connoisseur) or a good thing (as you want a light drink that encourages regular sipping).
The faint sweetness that emerges as the acidity fades provides a satisfying balance, preventing the cider from feeling overly dry. So, all in all, a fairly well-rounded finish.
Pairing Suggestions
The cider’s crisp acidity and fresh apple flavour make it an ideal match for light and refreshing dishes. So no surprises that salads featuring ingredients like rocket, walnuts, feta and (of course) apple slices are natural companions.
Want something heartier? Then consider pairing it with pork dishes, such as roast belly or sausages. The natural tartness of the cider cuts through the richness of the meat. I could also see this beverage as a great can to have in hand as you graze a charcuterie and cheese board.
Dessert-wise, I’m thinking anything with cinnamon, basically. You could also serve it with an apple crumble, but we might be getting just a bit too apple-y now.
Overall Impression
The Hills Cider Company Non-Alcoholic Apple is really very easy to drink.
It taps into my preference for avoiding the cloying sweetness too many ciders suffer from, and it’s fruit-forward, yes, apple-y, taste really hits the spot.
And given it’s sustainable too, I’m on board.