“I’ve heard a lot about cider, but I’m concerned that it might all be too sweet. Say it isn’t so, Professor Drinks!” – ciderella92
Victoria grows some amazing produce, especially orchard fruits like apples and pears, so it makes sense that we would make some delicious ciders as well. These are not the sickly sweet ciders you may have encountered in your younger years, though. These sophisticated tipples can stand up against a crisp lager on a warm day, or even substitute for a bottle of wine with dinner. When life gives you apples, ferment them!
Hargreaves Hill Apple Cider
The Yarra Valley is one of Victoria’s best apple-growing regions, and Hargreaves Hill makes the most of that in creating this crisp and refreshing cider. The pink lady apples used add a lovely tartness, and Champagne yeast keeps it light and elegant – a lovely introduction to a dry-style cider.
Daylesford Cider Company Spiced Cider
Using locally sourced spices and honey, this cider is a wonderful example of the versatility of cider. While the honey brings a lick of sweetness, it’s well balanced by the tartness of the apples and warmth of the spices. It comes in a large-format (750ml) bottle, so try bringing this to your next dinner party and pairing it with roast meat instead of a bold red wine. You can also gently warm it for an easy-peasy Hot Toddy.
Harcourt Pear Cider
Made in another great Victorian fruit-growing region, this cider blends different varieties of pears for a more full-bodied and textural cider that still finishes nice and dry. The quality of the fruit really shines through – it practically counts as one of your five a day.
By Cara Devine