Art of Darkness 2021
Little Pomona in Bromyard, Herefordshire, England 🏴
Cider - Dry Series|
Score
7.28
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Each vintage of the Art of Darkness allows us to combine the best of our home orchard fruit with some sensitive barrel maturation.
After a break in 2020, Art of Darkness returns in style with 2021. It's a blend of four-fifth Ellis Bitter aged in cognac barrels for 12 months with wine-barrel-aged Dabinett.
Sunshine on straw in the glass, there’s a characteristic hint of damp cave on the nose with a big weight of ripe stone buried underneath – all apricot and peach fuzz – along with spice and perfume. In the mouth it balances barrel influence and plum and apricot juiciness with beautiful freshness and silky texture. The tannins have softened over time and have the texture of wet slate.
As gastronomic a cider as you’ll find, pair it with the likes of baked fish in a harissa- or paprika-laced sauce, or a gratin of fresh courgettes or a piece of cave-aged cheese.
Serve at 10°C. Gluten free. Vegan friendly. Contains sulphites
After a break in 2020, Art of Darkness returns in style with 2021. It's a blend of four-fifth Ellis Bitter aged in cognac barrels for 12 months with wine-barrel-aged Dabinett.
Sunshine on straw in the glass, there’s a characteristic hint of damp cave on the nose with a big weight of ripe stone buried underneath – all apricot and peach fuzz – along with spice and perfume. In the mouth it balances barrel influence and plum and apricot juiciness with beautiful freshness and silky texture. The tannins have softened over time and have the texture of wet slate.
As gastronomic a cider as you’ll find, pair it with the likes of baked fish in a harissa- or paprika-laced sauce, or a gratin of fresh courgettes or a piece of cave-aged cheese.
Serve at 10°C. Gluten free. Vegan friendly. Contains sulphites
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7.6/10
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Appearance 8
Aroma 7
Flavor 8
Texture 8
Overall 7.5
Panda thanks to Danlo: Poured a golden with fast dissipating head. Aroma is tannins, apple, wood and bark, funky. Taste is funky, sharp apples, tangy, woodsy.
Tried
on 05 Aug 2024
at 00:46
7.9/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 8
Flavor 8
Texture 8
Overall 7.5
Panda at home, thanks to Ed Danlo, 29/06/24. Clear light golden with a fast escaping white head that settles to a few bubbles around the edge of the glass. Nose is tarte cooking apples, tannins, orchard wood, funk, herb. Taste comprises tangy apple, gentle acidity, funk, wood bark, tannins, barnyard nip. Medium bodied, fine carbonation, drying close with a bitter sweet edge. Solid stuff.
Tried
on 29 Jun 2024
at 21:10
8.1/10
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Appearance 8
Aroma 8
Flavor 8
Texture 8
Overall 8.5
750ml bottle from Little Pomona. Golden colour, some short-lived bubbles on top and aroma of apple, wood barrel, funk, spice hint. Taste is tangy, tart, apple, fruity fleshy with oak, barrel, woody, spicy notes, some acidity and drying tannins. Medium bodied, low carbonation, dry oaky tart & tannic finish. Nicely drinkable.
Tried
from Bottle
on 11 May 2024
at 19:11