Quaffers: Cider challenges pre-mixed drinks

The meteoric rise in the number of Australians drinking cider is dramatically revealed in the latest Roy Morgan research. The research also points to cider’s success as coming at the expense of pre-mixed drinks – popularly known as alcopops.

Five years ago, “2.4 million Australians drank pre-mixed drinks in average four weeks”, compared to just 596,000 drinking cider, says the report.

But in the year to March 2014, the number of cider drinkers had more than trebled to 2 million. Over the same period, the number of alcopops drinkers fell by 300,000 to 2.1 million.

While cider’s success is widespread between genders and across city and country, “most cider drinkers are under 35”, says the report.

Roy Morgan’s Angela Smith attributes much of cider’s growth to, “higher taxes on pre-mixed drinks, as well as a steadily increasing range of cider brands”.

2 Brothers Kung Foo Rice Lager 330ml $5.25

Bruce Lee apparently inspired this delicate rice lager. A strong but well-judge kick of herbal, spicy hops sets it apart, say, from the more subtle Japanese versions of the style. The hops seem to amplify the delicate malt character and give a particularly refreshing, dry aftertaste.

Four-and-a-half-star rating

Lobo Cloudy Apple Cider 330ml $4.25

From Lenswood – a high, cool point in the Adelaide Hills – comes this flavoursome, slightly wild cloudy apple cider. A slight sweetness sits well with the countervailing tartness and chewy, grungy apple flavours – with an undercurrent of earthy flavours I suspect derive from the fermentation.

Four-star rating