Ramborn Perry

Most of you, including myself, were probably not aware until now that Luxembourg is famous for its unique pear varieties, which are very rich in tannins and have an exquisite fruity taste. These features make them perfectly suitable for the production of perry. Therefore, this is not really a surprise that Ramborn Cider Co, the only cider maker in the whole Luxembourg created a perry from fruits coming from very old traditional perry orchards.
Company: Ramborn Cider Co.
Place of Origin: Born, Luxembourg
Pears: traditional pear varieties including Mostbirne and Nelchesbirne
ABV: 5.8%
Package type: 330ml clear glass bottle with crown cap
Recommended type of glass: pint glass, white wine glass or snifter

Appearance: pours a clear golden with a large short-lived white foam. Medium artificial carbonation. Body is medium.

Aroma/Nose: smells dry and surprisingly sweet at the same time, with notes of a sweet juicy pear,  white wine notes, wood and distant herbal notes.

Taste: the first taste is moderately sweet with no acidity to it. Subsequently, you get a strong tannic kick, where tannins coat the whole mouth. Interestingly, the tannins here are not aggressive like sometimes those in cider, but still very strong. Just different. After the initial kick, the taste gets more fruity thanks to notes of an overripe sweet and juicy pear with a touch of wood. The aftertaste has a lingering astringency and a chalky touch.

Overall: Wow! I don’t think I have ever tried such an astringent perry so far. It’s very tannic, but as mentioned earlier the tannins are strong, not aggressive. The taste of pear tannins differs from those found in cider and is really special. What I also enjoyed was the fruity taste of pear, which is really pleasant. As for the level of sweetness, it’s just right, not too sweet. However, in my opinion, a touch of acidity would definitely round up the taste. Taken together, I enjoyed Ramborn’s Perry as it is really very unique and one of a kind. But due to high tannins, not everyone might enjoy it. I did! 4/6

Availability: In Luxembourg at their farm, at the Liquid, Le Bisdorff Hotel & Restaurant, Brasserie um Tennis. In Germany from The Hop Shop in Trier and online from Ciderei. In Switzerland from Ciderhouse.ch. In Italy through Sidro & Cider. In the UK from Crafty Nectar.

Price: Perry was sent to me by Ramborn Cider Co for testing.