This is another cider from Gibbet Oak, which came with my cider subscription offered by Orchard Box. Tenterden is the name of a cider I am reviewing today and a city in Kent, UK. The name Tenterden apparently comes from ‘Tenet Waraden’, which in the Old English means a clearing in the forest, belonging to the men of Thanet.
Gibbet Oak rebranded recently so their new name is Nightingale Cider.
Company: Gibbet Oak
Place of Origin: Tenterden, Kent, UK
Pears: apples grown on the farm
Sweetness as per label: medium dry
ABV: 5.7%
Package type: 500ml amber glass bottle with crown cap
Recommended type of glass: white wine glass, pint glass or snifter
Appearance: pours a slightly hazy straw yellow with no head. Still. Body is light.
Aroma/Nose: the nose has a light funk with notes of fresh red apples, green notes with a distant light sulphur.
Taste: the first sip is a bit watery with a moderate level of sweetness and low lemon-like acidity. Then comes the lingering smokiness with a flavour of red and yellow apples and a touch of alcohol. Very light tannins, green notes with elderflower and a touch of lemon peel to the end.
Overall: I thought the Tenterden was unspectacular. It’s drinkable but easy to forget. I think that the amount of eating apples used is just too high, thus making this cider taste pretty average. Moreover, the Tenterden could be slightly less sweet. Also, the booze note in the aftertaste is disturbing. In summary, Gibbet’s Oak Tenterden can be eventually regarded as an alternative to commercial ciders but that’s all. Personally, I wouldn’t buy it again. 2.5/6
Availability: seems to be available locally in Kent from Gibbet Oak Farm Shop and online from eebria.
Price: arrived with my cider subscription from Orchard Box.
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