Aspall Cyder: when Martinelli's meets Champagne . . .

I remember, as a kid and a teen ye many years ago, the few formal toast-worthy functions I've attend will always have a bottle of Martinelli's on-hand for young-uns like us. Sparkly and poured out of a wine bottle, my friends and I would overlook its distinctively yellower hue and super sweetness and just pretend we're fancy schmancy hot stuff... hot stuff that are drinking fizzy juices that costs $2-3 a bottle. But at least we get to hold a flute or a coupe like the actual adults . . .

While I've since graduated onto enjoying real sparkling wines and Champagnes, a part of me have always longed for an adult version of a good hard cider. Of course, I've had the likes of Wyder's and Woodchuck and while they have their purpose (mainly a fruitier alternative for my beer hating friends and a less beer appreciative me in the past,) they really don't pass my palate test with its Jolly Rancher-ish apple flavor mixed with musky undertones and a metallic aftertaste--a weird combo that makes me almost want to call it a night by mixing the non-alchy cider with vodka. That is, until I discovered . . .
. . . Aspall's Cuvée Chevallier Cyder at The Surly Goat. It was remarkably crisp and clean, and nicely balanced in terms of sweetness and acidity. My friend ConBon (who also snapped the above photo) likened more like a champagne than an apple cider, and indeed - I think it could pass for an extra appley prosecco. In any case, it definitely disarmed my preconceptions of hard ciders.

When I got home I did a little research, and found out the Cuvée Chevallier was a recent addition to their line (so new it's not even on their product list yet!), and the Aspall folks made this cyder specifically to resemble a sparkling wine, particularly in their selection of apples (using more acidic and less sweet varieties, similar profile to wine grapes) and using the double-fermentation process (to provide a thicker structure, more refined bubbles, higher alcohol content at 11% ABV and to better remove yeast and sediments--perhaps the reason for the muskiness I've had in other ciders.) The result, a "cyder" that's more than a few notches above others of its kind.

So now I'm definitely on the prowl for bars and stores that carry this delicious brew (it retails for $16.99 per 750mL bottle, and Surly Goat serves theirs up for $24) as well as keeping an eye out for any other breweries that make their ciders in a similar tres chic fashion!

And here's a clearer label photo for you to reference on your hunt (just let me know if you find it!)