Thatchers Green Goblin Cider

 

OK, here is the first thing about Thatchers Green Goblin. Well, its the first thing I noticed anyway. The goblin on the label is blue. At least, this is assuming I am not colour blind (which I am not).  Come on Mr Thatchers... lets have a green one at least:-)

Seriously, this is an oak aged cider and (according to the back label) the green goblin is from deep in the wood... the oak vats that this stuff is aged in presumably. Hey, I have heard less reason given for the name of a cider!!

Its meant to be a medium dry cider, made from a bittersweet blend of apples and 'beautifully' balanced . Well, there is oak in the aroma and, once the fizz has died a bit, it is a smooth mouthful with not too many bubbles getting in the way.

It does live up to its dry finish, and I would say that the balance is struck fairly well in the taste, though it doesn't have a very long finish to it. The levels of acidity are also interesting - there are bittersharps or sharps in there as well as bittersweets I think... though I would have expected that from a balanced cider. The oak is lost in the taste - which I must admit I am pleased about.

So, it is a well balanced cider, fairly dry and not too fizzy. A little sharpness too in the finish. Why did it only score 68/100 then? Well, its not the silly name (or the even sillier explanation of the name). I think its a good cider, and got a good mark. However, compared to some of the others - especially the vintages - it just misses the depth of character and personality that makes a great cider (in my book anyway - I spoke to someone today who raved about Sheppy's Oakwood... so its all horses for courses).