It’s sweet, easy to drink and has plenty of rustic charm. Put down that craft beer, here’s where to find Bangkok’s best ciders. 

1. Norfolk Still, Small Acres Cyder 

Drink it at: Brew Beers & Ciders, G/F, Seenspace, Thonglor Soi 13, 02-185-2366. BTS Thong Lo. www.brewbkk.com
 
How much: B600 (750ml bottle)
 
Where it’s from: Australia
 
What it tastes like: Light amber in body, it opens with a smooth, sweet aroma. No carbonation. The fresh apple flavor has a dry, crisp finish.
 
Drink it with: The big burst of apple flavor is just right for Brew’s heavy pork chop served with garden vegetables (B140). Sweet and refreshing, it also goes well with anything fried and spicy, like the laab moo tod (B180).

2. Premier Cru, Aspall 

Drink it at: Dean & Deluca Mahanakhon, 96 Narathiwas Rd., 02-234-1434. BTS Chong Nonsi.  www.deandeluca.co.th 
 
How much: B395 (500ml bottle)
 
Where it’s from: UK
 
What it tastes like: The complexity and sharpness make it almost comparable to a sparkling wine, but with a fruitier, more tart quality. The aroma is sweetish and there’s also an oaky note. Nicely balanced between sweet and crisp.
 
Drink it with: More pork. Dean & Deluca’s glazed ham (B95/100 grams) has a slight smokiness that matches well with Aspall’s oaky taste. Even a dessert like the lemon cream tart (B145) matches well with this bottle’s tartness.

3. Cidre de la Côte de Grâce Brut , Manoir D’Apreval  

Drink it at: Brew Beers & Ciders, G/F, Seenspace, Thonglor Soi 13, BTS Thong Lo. 02-185-2366. www.brewbkk.com
 
How much: B800 (750ml bottle)
 
Where it’s from: France
 
What it tastes like: A lightish body with the flavor of caramelized apples. When poured, it gives a large white head similar to lager. Leaves a bittersweet taste on the palate.
 
Drink it with: The almost chutney-like sweetness goes very well with blue cheese (B340/740).

4. Apple Cider, Brothers

Drink it at: 50/50 Restaurant & Bar, 998/4 H1 Place, Sukhumvit Soi 55
 
How much: B280 (500ml bottle)
 
Where it’s from: Australia
 
What it tastes like: Somewhat artificial and sweet but cut by a nice sharpness. Take it with some ice to thin down that sweetness. 
 
Drink it with: The dark chocolate lava (B290). That syrupy quality acts almost like a compote against the rich intensity of the chocolate.

5. Hopped Up Pippin, Zeffer

Drink it at: Mikkeller, 26 Ekkamai Soi 10 Yaek 2, 02-381-9891. www.mikkellerbangkok.com
 
How much: B150/small glass, B300/large glass
 
Where it’s from: New Zealand
 
What it tastes like: Clear and golden in color, it’s heavily carbonated and sweet with a floral aroma. 
 
Drink it with: Mikkeller’s pulled pork in tangy barbecue sauce (B300), served on a charcoal bun, tastes like it was custom-designed for the sweetness of this cider. 

6. Zesty Citrus Cider, Zeffer

Drink it at: Mikkeller, 26 Ekkamai Soi 10 Yaek 2, 02-381-9891. www.mikkellerbangkok.com
 
How much: B150/small glass, B300/large glass
 
Where it’s from: New Zealand
 
What it tastes like: Refreshing, very carbonated and sour, as though it’s been given a squeeze of lime. The body is almost crystal clear.
 
Drink it with: That sharp flavor matches well with fish. Try the smoked salmon (B300), served on a charcoal bun with sour cream and stir-fried potatos. 

 

Advertisement

Leave a Comment