Jack Ratt with Hops – Lyme Bay Winery

Hopped up on Hops!

TL;DR – A refreshing cider, with a bitter, well-balanced, hoppy end. 

Dan’s Thoughts

I don’t know where to start with this one, there’s just so much to say. I feel a little giddy about this cider now that I’m finally getting to writing about it.
Jack Ratt with Hops is part of Lyme Bay Winery’s Ammonite Series.

This cider felt like an experience from start to finish.
Like with most things in life, I always smell first.
As you know, we like to have a laugh here at InCider, but its so bloody hard to say anything funny about this one – I almost feel like this cider is a wise Granddad that would tell me to “knock it off” or “Show some respect”, so that’s what I’m going to do.

Upon smelling, I am reminded of new, leather shoes – NAY…new PREMIUM leather shoes.
As the cider particles navigate my macroscopic nasal hair, I’m transported to a freshly harvested hop field – as a beer guy, this was a treat! You then jump onto the back of your Uncle’s tractor who says “Jimmy, let me show you the Orchard.” THEN BOOM! The delicious apple smell comes through and you realise your name isn’t Jimmy and your Uncle is in prison. I told you it was an experience and I’m taking you there.

That journey my have been a little intense for some of you, so lets cool down and talk about how it looks. It’s a pretty normal looking sparkling cider, certainly doesn’t look like it could be hiding such power inside the tiny bubbles.

Now to taste.

Simply put, this is the cider James Bond orders.
As soon as the crisp, bubbly liquid touches the tongue, there’s a lot going on. It’s extremely well put together and balanced. It feels like it’s been chiseled out of marble or crafted delicately by hand.
I want to get into my very best smoking jacket for this one.
The crisp, hoppiness is like walking into a real tailors and asking for a full service – including the Cashmere suit you’ve longed for.
The hops bring a gentle bitterness, where as the cider brings a slight sweetness into the mix which makes for a refreshing finish.

I truly believe that this cider experience was well worth the £4.90 I paid for a 330ml bottle.

After finishing this cider, Dan lived Hoppily Ever After. 
If you enjoyed this review, take a look at the Jack Ratt with Botanicals Cider review that Jack has written.

Cheers,

Dan