There are many different types of cider. From orchard to glass, cider has as many personalities as the apples it’s made from. Some are bone-dry and crisp, others soft and sweet, or even sparkling and funky. Whether you’re new to cider or already a fan, here’s a guide to the styles you’re most likely to come across, and, most importantly, how to enjoy them!
Dry Cider
Sharp, refreshing, and often compared to a white wine. Dry ciders let the apple speak without much sweetness. Perfect with salty cheeses, roast chicken, or fresh seafood.
Medium Cider
A balance between sweet and dry – juicy and rounded, but still with a little bite. This is the most crowd-pleasing style, and a great match for BBQs, burgers, and Sunday roasts.
Tempted? Get some medium cider here
Medium Dry Cider
Sitting neatly between dry and medium, this style has a gentle bite with just enough fruitiness to soften the edges. It’s an easy drinker that works with almost anything, from a ploughman’s lunch to roast pork and crackling.
Sweet Blush Cider
Made from a blend of dessert apples, or sometimes given a rosé hue from red-fleshed varieties, blush ciders are light, fragrant, and often gently sweet. Perfect for summer sipping, picnics, or as an aperitif with fresh berries and salads.
Perry (Pear Cider)
Made with perry pears, not apples, this is its own world entirely. Often floral, delicate, and refreshing. Lovely with light dishes, fresh salads, or on a warm summer’s day.
Still Cider
Quiet and contemplative. Without the distraction of bubbles, the flavours can feel deeper and more rustic. Best sipped slowly, alongside hearty stews or farmhouse bread and cheese.
Keeved Cider
A traditional French technique that naturally stops fermentation early, leaving a gentle sparkle and natural sweetness. Often golden, honeyed, and complex – a treat with charcuterie or pâté.
So, whether you lean towards dry, sweet, still, or sparkling, there’s a cider style for every table. Explore, taste, and see where the orchard takes you. See all of our ciders here