As cider lovers, we were excited to hear that The Stable has recently introduced Cider Tasting at The Stable Experiences
Cider Tasting at The Stable is aimed toward customers who want to understand more about this increasingly popular drink and provide drinkers with the opportunity to rate their ciders and make individual notes for future reference.
We’re big fans of The Stable per se and we’ve always maintained that we’d like to expand our own knowledge of cider (since we already drink rather a lot of it). So, with our interests peeked we headed along to our nearby Exeter branch with our cameras at the ready and to grill Cider Master Dave and his sidekick Jay on some of their favourite West Country ciders.
The restaurant was open to the public while we were filming and you will no doubt notice quite a bit of background noise on the video. We film and edit everything by ourselves – which is why the quality isn’t 100% professional – but hopefully you’ll get a clearer idea of what The Stable has to offer!
We tasted 4 West Country ciders during our tasting experience – from the rough and ready Bridge Farm Cider to The Stable’s own exclusive Rapscallion, and even a fruity little number by Green Valley Cyder, Topsham. Each glass was unique in its own way and Dave & Jay did a great job of describing their individual qualities. I would definitely recommend attending a tasting session if you’d like to expand your knowledge of this beverage. In fact, the Cider & Supper session sounds like a great night out by itself and we’ll probably be booking one with friends very soon! After all, do you ever really need an excuse to spend the evening sipping on cider? We don’t think so…
THE MASTERCLASSES
As Dave points out in the video, there are three different kinds of tasting experience on offer at The Stable – from beginners basics through to 150min long classes for more seasoned aficionados (or just diehard cider heads).
STRICTLY CIDER
During this introductory cider-tasting experience you’ll learn about the cider-making process, different cider-making regions, fruit varieties and some common things to look out for such as tannins, acidity and blending. You’ll also taste 10 of our best ciders, with an opportunity to take notes and ask questions from your Cider Master as you go. Cheese and crackers, cider tasting cards, pens and spittoons are all provided.
Duration: 60 mins
Cost: £15 per head
Booking: to book please contact your local Stable
CIDER AND SUPPER
All the cider tasting insight of our Strictly Cider experience, with our handmade pizzas thrown in at the halfway mark. Now’s your chance to understand exactly why cheese and bread go so perfectly with cider! Order your own individual pizzas, or if you’re coming as a group, go buffet-style and try a few different pizzas between you. Taste ten amazing ciders and learn about how they’re made. Cheese and crackers, cider tasting cards, pens and spittoons are all provided.
Duration: 100 mins
Cost: £22.50 per head
Booking: to book please contact your local Stable
ULTIMATE CIDER EXPERIENCE
Cider and supper taken to the next level. Enjoy elegant keeved ciders and apple aperitifs, taste high-end single varieties, hedgerow blends and learn to distinguish notes, aroma, taste and colour, all under the expert guidance of our Cider Masters. During this ultimate cider-tasting experience you’ll also dine on our finest, handmade sourdough pizzas, feast on cheeses and charcuterie, and enjoy cider brandies with our unctuous chocolate brownies for dessert. This experience is tailored for you, with plenty of time to focus on the areas your group is most interested in.
Duration: 150 mins
Cost: £30 per head
Booking: to book please contact your local Stable
stablepizza.com/locations/exeter