Cider - an interesting discussion of the merits of the offering from FGW

[whole diary]

[ChrisB]

hmmm - seems to bear me out that it isnm't 'cider' as in the usual definition.

btw - Magners is the same stuff....under another label. Bulmers carp...

[Chris from Nailsea]

With many thanks to all of the contributors to this particular erudite discussion, I've now split the relevant posts off into a new topic of their own - rather than letting them distract from the original and ongoing discussion on the merits of the overall Pullman experience. 

[Richard Fairhurst]

Strongbow is cider, but not real cider. For those of you of a beer-drinking persuasion, it's the Watneys Red Barrel of the cider world.

Oversimplifying greatly, there's four types of cider:

• Industrial cider - Strongbow, Dry Blackthorn, Magners, Bulmers, Kopperberg etc.
• Fizzy cider from real cider apples - principally Westons Stowford Press, Thatchers Gold, Addlestones
• Real cider made by major manufacturers - Westons Old Rosie, Thatchers Traditional, Gwynt y Ddraig etc.
• Craft cider - a vast array of farm and artisan products
  

The first category is pretty much unpalatable. From then on, it gets better. Personally I'm a great fan of Old Rosie (and the new Rosie's Pig sounds ideal).

If I want a drinkable cider on an FGW^▸ (First Great Western) journey, I've learned to either bring some from home, or (if I'm starting at Paddington) buy an M&S own-brand cider at Paddington, which is re-badged Westons at a fair price. I would love it if FGW were to sell a decent cider on board. They sell decent beer - why not "the wine of the West"?

[Kernow Otter]

And of course for all real cider fans, the Cornish Cider Festival will be held once again in Lostwithiel this Autumn.

http://www.cornishciderfestival.co.uk/

Will post the date once we have confirmed it.

[Umberleigh]

On a slightly different note, I usually pick up some wine at Paddington M&S, as I find the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) Chilean red far too rich for drinking with just nibbles. I'm not saying its a bad wine, just that it would go well with roast beef.

Any chance of a little more choice, with a softer, unpacked option? At the end of the day, I would like to spend some money on the train, as FGW are clearly making an effort and should be supported, but perhaps someone may take note of this...

Otherwise delighted to see the reinstated Pullmans, and looking forward to when my work takes me east of Exeter again...