Thatchers Zero Cider

Before you read this article, it is important that you know that we were gifted this beer directly from Crafty Nectar. Whilst we accept gifted drinks – without payment – we ensure to give an honest review, both good and bad. Learn more about our review policy.

When it comes to cider brands, Thatchers are right up there as one of the best known in the UK.

Too be honest, I can’t remember the last time I drank an alcoholic Thatchers cider. Of course, I could recommend the brand and the bottle design instantly, and upon checking up to see what the branding looked like nowadays, I was shocked to see how vast the Thatchers cider range is.

Although there are over 10 different ciders here, there is just the one non-alcoholic cider – the subject of this review – Thatcher’s Zero. This is just one of the non-alcoholic ciders provided as a mixed case from Crafty Nectar.

Initial Thoughts

Whereas Thatchers cider comes in a dark brown bottle, the noticeable difference is the clear glass in the case of the zero alcohol cider. The labelling of the bottle follows typical commercial direction for alcohol free drinks – white and blue. It looks fine, but it definitely has the commercial feel compared to some indie alcohol free brands.

Not much of an issue, but what about the taste?

In the bottle it looks an enticing golden colour. Once opened, the aroma is less enticing.

There is little complexity here, just apple juice. It doesn’t smell like fresh apple juice, but the cheap stuff you find in tetra-pak cartons.

Once poured into a glass, the carbonation and bubbles actually improve the aroma. There is more complexity, and smells something more like cider. There is a good fizz here, and even with careful pouring into a glass, there is a decent, frothy head. It looks just like any alcoholic cider from this regard.

What about the taste?

It’s very sweet and syrupy. My first sip I get a strong sweetness, followed up by notes of honey. It is crisp, a slight tarteness and a gentle bitterness.

After the initial shock of the sweetness, subsequent sips appear less so. It becomes pleasant to drink, but it is fairly simple, and far too sweet for me to want to finish the 500ml bottle I have.

To be fair to Thatchers here, this is a good alcohol free version of their original cider. Although it’s been a while since I drank a Thatchers cider, I do remember them being overly sweet and commercially bland. But if that’s to your taste, then you might well just enjoy this Thatchers Zero too.

Where Can You Buy Thatchers Zero?

One of the good things about Thatchers Zero is that it is widely available at most supermarkets, and also at the usual online alcohol-free retailers.

You can expect to pick up single bottles at around £2 each, or you can save if you buy in multipacks which are also widely available too.

Thatchers Zero Nutritional Information and Calories

Suitable for vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs. Gluten free. Contains sulphites for freshness.

To Finish