There are many big name cider brands that dominate in the UK, so Stowford Press may be one that you are not aware of.
Although they have been making medium dry ciders for approximately 30 years, they are still not always a common fixture in pubs and restaurants around the UK. But if you have tried their drinks before, you may know them as more mature ciders, when comparing them to the cheap, mass produced products such as those from Strongbow or Kopparberg for example.
In this review, we are going to try out the first – and only – low alcohol cider currently in their drinks portfolio.
Here’s how we got on.
Stowford Press Low Alcohol Initial Review
What struck me first with this bottle of non-alcoholic cider, was just how obvious it made it to drinkers that it is ‘low alcohol’.
Whilst most branding efforts alter their branding with the addition of blue, and small text or the presence of 0%, there is no hiding with this bottle. In one sense, this is a good thing, and something to not be shy of. However, if you are drinking non-alcoholic to ‘fit in’ to a social scene, it may not be the best!
Moving, on, it was time to crack open the bottle.
After chilling it for a few days, it was plenty cold enough. The initial aroma is very sweet, and also smells like apple juice, except for a lingering bitterness that you associate with cider. To me, it has strongly reminiscent of old-school strongbow, so if you’ve grown to hate that smell, your first impressions probably won’t be favourable!
Pouring into a pint glass, it is a deep yellow/ mild amber colour, with single bubbles flowing up the inside of the glass.
My initial feeling here are that we are going to have a sweet apple juice/ cider tasting drink, that is only slightly tangy from minimal carbonation.
My initial feelings are not far off.
It is sweet, yet sharp, and tastes very much like carbonated apple juice. Not your fancy apple juice, but the concentrated stuff you get out of a Tetra Pak container. A few more sips to consolidate my opinion, doesn’t change too much. However, there is definitely the late presence of bitterness, that you would expect to find with your mainstream alcoholic ciders.
On the Westons Cider page for this product, it describes it as a cider with ‘crisp ripe apple notes, with hints of apple skin – smoothed out with subtle notes of honey and a cidery bittersweet finish‘.
With official descriptions, I sometimes wonder where they came from/ who wrote them for their absurdity. But I think the above description is incredibly accurate, and truly representative of this drink!
Although I definitely prefer a beer over cider (alcoholic or not), this was a pleasantly enjoyable drink. With previous non-alcoholic ciders, I have found them far too sweet, and somewhat artificial in taste. This has a good apple flavour, slightly carbonated and just about holds onto its cider status.
I would not be drinking this regularly, but if I was offered this at a sober, summer party on a hot day, I would grab the chance to have one or two!
Where Can I Buy Stowford Press Low Alcohol Cider?
If you are seeking out supermarkets to buy this drink, you can head to your local Tesco, Asda or Morrisons for your best chance of finding it. We don’t always see it in said supermarkets however, so you may wish to try larger stores.
At the time of writing, single bottles are available to purchase, at anywhere between £1-1.50
If you are looking to purchase online, head over to any of the following:
Stowford Press Low Alcohol Cider Ingredients, Nutritional Information and Calories
The ingredients in this product are as follows:
Water, Cider, Apple Juice, Sugar, Acidity Regulator (Malic Acid), Carbon Dioxide, Potassium Metabisulphite
The only allergen to be aware of here is additive, Potassium Metabisulphite
| Nutritional Information | Per 100mL |
|---|---|
| Energy (KJ / KCal) | 122 / 29 |
| Alcohol Level (ABV) | <0.5% |
Stowford Press Low Alcohol Cider – Final Thoughts
Although I try to go into every review with an open mind, I often start drink with perceived ideas in mind.
I though this drink wouldn’t be to my tasting, or very impressive. However, I am glad to have been proven wrong.
This drink is a great cider alternative, and one I will definitely consider for future consumption. It tastes strongly of apple, without being too sweet but with the slight cider bitterness to it. It is not too gassy, but carbonated enough to remind you that you are drinking a cider and not a strong tasting apple juice.
Great value as single bottles, and easily accessible at most supermarkets and online. Grab yourself one to try!
