Magners Original Irish Cider

Magners Original Irish Cider is a 4.5% ABV cider from Ireland, made from a blend of 17 apple varieties. Blending that many varieties is how a cider like this gets a layered fruit character instead of a single-note apple one. Expect a crisp, medium-dry to lightly sweet profile where ripe orchard apple leads and a firm acidity keeps it from tasting syrupy. Ciders in this style usually show a faint tannic dryness on the finish, a little like the grip of apple skin, and carry light carbonation rather than heavy fizz. At 4.5% it is built for easy, full-glass drinking, and the way it is served matters more than it does for most ciders. Irish cider of this type is traditionally poured over a generous amount of ice in a tall pint or highball glass. Fill the glass with ice first, then pour the cider over it. The ice chills it quickly and dilutes it slightly, which brings the sweetness and acidity closer together and makes the apple notes cleaner and fresher. Pouring it chilled without ice also works. Very cold temperatures mute aroma, so if you drink it straight, give it a few minutes out of the fridge. For food, the acidity and light sweetness suit salty, fatty or fried dishes. Think fish and chips, pork sausages, roast chicken, ploughman's-style cheese plates with cheddar, or a ham sandwich. It can also soften the heat of mildly spiced dishes. For a simple mixed drink, top a measure of cider with a splash of soda and a slice of apple or lemon for a lighter, spritz-style serve. A shandy-style mix with lemonade or ginger beer also works if you want something less sweet.