Orchard Pig Explorer

Orchard Pig, a cider maker from Somerset, seems to grow really fast as they already introduced three ranges of cider. The Explorer, The Navelgazer, and The Ginger & Chilli are available only on draught, whereas the Charmer and Truffler (see my review on the Truffler here) seem to be available only in bottles. The Reveller and the Hogfather, on the other hand, can be found both in kegs and bottles. There used to be the Philosopher once as I remember I tried it once, but it looks it was taken off the market. The Reveller is the only cider available in cans. What do you think of canned cider?

Today’s review is on the Explorer.Company: Orchard Pig
Place of Origin: Glastonbury, Somerset, UK
Apples: a blend of Somerset cider apples
Sweetness as per label: medium
ABV: 4.5%
Package type: draught
Recommended type of glass: pint glass 

Appearance: pours a clear golden body with a white long-lasting head. Lightly sparkling. Body is low.

Aroma/Nose: the nose is sweet with notes of ripe yellow apples and more distant green notes. This is all I’m getting.

Taste: it starts very sweet with very low acidity. On the mid-palate apple juice, crisp yellow apple, pear, light bitterness with a slightly astringent taste. It get’s a bit chalky towards the finish with a light apple-seed bitterness and a note of sweet apple juice.

Overall: first of all, I want to stress that there was no acetic note simply because the Explorer was kegged. Secondly, I would classify this cider as sweet, not medium as it tastes like a sugar-loaded apple juice mixed with pear juice. The Explorer lacks any depth, so there is nothing to explore here. I honestly can’t explain where did the name come from as the Explorer is very boring. I guess it can be likeable if you enjoy sweet cider but if you are more dry cider oriented like I am, a pint of Explorer will be too much to drink. After a few sips, I gave the rest to my friend who prefers sweet cider. She thought the Explorer was ok, but nothing special either. 2.5/6

Availability: on draught in pubs around the UK. In bag-in-box from Fetch the Drinks, Weymouth Cider Company, Cider Supermarket or Matthew Clark.

Price: paid 5 GBP (5.67 EUR) in The Head of Steam in Liverpool.