Pale gold, clear, no bubbles. Radically dry but richly aromatic, fruity, earthy, with a palate-cleansing balance of fruit, astringency, and acid. Alcohol content 7.5% by volume. 750 ml. bottle, full cork closure (corkscrew needed).
In 21st-century America, where fine ciders are already exotic enough, still ciders raise even more eyebrows than the bubblies. But still styles continue deservedly to flourish in 21st-century Europe and Britain. Delicate flavors and sensations are discernably more intense and available in still ciders than in sparkling ones. Moreover, some people don't like bubbles. True dry-wine fans can most fully discover the unassisted qualities of cider apples by pouring Farnum Hill Extra-Dry Still where a totally dry white wine or a keen, dry, tannic red might ordinarily be found, or see below.
Best With:
The tannic backbone in our ciders stands up to some foods, such as meaty stews or winter soups, commonly associated not with white wines but with reds. Accompanying spicy dishes in Indian, Thai-, or Szechuan styles, Extra-Dry Still will fascinate, clear, and cool the palate to the mutual benefit of cider and food alike. Delicate seafood or fish flavors will not lose out next to Extra Dry Still, indeed will taste more vivid against it. Imagine this cider with sushi, where delicate marine flavors meet fierce condiments -- we hear happy reports from sushi habitues. For your own pairings, consider that Semi-Dry Still offers a long, clean, aromatic finish with cleansing acid and astringency that highlight the flavors and textures of companion foods. For true dry wine fans, the foods often linked with the driest white wines should work well with Farnum Hill Extra Dry except where you might want a soft, buttery, malolactic effect -- Extra Dry Still offers brisk acids and an astringent, aromatic finish. Some chefs and fans of Norman dishes (e.g. the world of crepes) contend that our ciders, even the Extra Drys, are charming with certain fruit tarts, custards, etc. People who make fruit ices might like to throw in some cider ... and pour some alongside. See what you like (or don't like), write if you have time.
