Sheppy’s Cider, one of the UK’s oldest cider producers, has been crafting ciders from their base in Somerset for more than 200 years. So we’re talking tradition here. But not tradition at the expense of all modernity. Indeed, they have embraced the contemporary trend for non-alcoholic options, and Sheppy’s Classic Cider is their signature NA offering.
It has an alcohol content of 0.5% and is made from apples grown in Sheppy’s own orchards. So, let’s see if they can bring centuries of cider-making nous to their non-alcoholic cider.
Appearance
Sheppy’s Classic Cider looks great in the glass. It’s got a really nice golden amber colour, that really gives that initial impression of ripe apples. It’s a clear cider and they managed to avoid any residual sediment or cloudiness. The effervescence you’d have to say is on the gentle side, but I’m not too fussed about that. I prefer not to have the bubbles dominate the experience. It does mean you don’t get the frothy head some more heavily carbonated ciders provide, but, as I say, not a problem for me.
Aroma
On the nose, Sheppy’s Classic Cider is all about those aromas of orchard-fresh apples. The nose opens with crisp notes of green apple, reminiscent of Granny Smiths, followed by a sweeter undertone akin to Golden Delicious. As the cider breathes, secondary notes of pear, hay, and a touch of citrus emerge. There’s also a faint earthiness – a nod to the Somerset terroir perhaps – that gives the aroma abit more of a sense of the rustic charm.
Taste
It sounds obvious and the very least you’d expect from a cider, especially one that calls itself ‘Classic”, but there’s a hell of a lot of apple going on on the palate. And it manages to have that very English cider taste – probably that blend of sweet and tart apple notes. As it develops, you also get some softer hints of baked apple and a touch of caramelised sugar. The cider’s natural fruitiness is balanced by a gentle acidity, preventing it from feeling overly sweet or one-dimensional. Hardcore cider-heads might claim it lacks a depth of flavour that alcoholic ciders have, but I would argue that they’re splitting hairs.
Mouthfeel
Sheppy’s Classic Cider has a crisp and light mouthfeel, thanks to that relatively fine carbonation. It bears repeating: it’s not overly fizzy, and that’s a plus. Its body is medium-light, making it easy to drink while still providing enough substance to feel satisfying.
Finish
The finish leaves behind lingering notes of apple peel and a hint of citrus. The slight tannic dryness in the aftertaste adds a touch of complexity, and also helps to balance the cider’s natural sweetness, ensuring it doesn’t feel heavy or syrupy. While the finish is satisfying, it’s not as long-lasting or complex as some of Sheppy’s full-strength alcoholic cider offerings. However, its simplicity and refreshment make it a very sessionable.
Pairing Suggestions
Personally, cider tends to be a standalone drink. That apple-forward experience kind of speaks for itself. And Sheppy’s Classic Cider would make for a good options for a bottle of three when you’re just kicking back on a long weekend. If you do want to team it with some grub, you could try it alongside a classic ploughman’s lunch, complete with some sharp cheeses like a mature Cheddar. Try it with a chunky chicken sandwich as well or something made from yesterday’s leftover roast pork (with a smear of English mustard, of course)..
Overall Impressions of Sheppy’s Classic Cider
I’m a fan. I think Sheppy’s have managed to produce a quintessentially English-style cider without the alcohol. It’s got lots of apple flavour, but not at the expense of some flavour complexity, and with a restrained effervescence and touch of acidity, it makes for a refreshing, balanced and highly enjoyable non-alcoholic cider option. Get in.