England : The Taste of Forbidden Drink

Many years ago, during my stay in the UK, I was aware that pubs offered cidre, known as "cider" in English. However, for some reason, my British acquaintances strongly discouraged me from ordering apple cider. They claimed it was not something young people should drink, that it wouldn't suit Japanese taste buds, and that Japanese people were not accustomed to strong alcohol, which they believed apple cider to be. Their opinions, particularly the insistence that "it doesn't suit Japanese palates," left me puzzled. Despite their claimed familiarity with Japan, it seemed they were determined to prevent me from trying apple cider. Looking back, I suspect they may have had a negative experience recommending it to a Japanese person in the past, perhaps to avoid disappointing me.

After several decades, I finally had the opportunity to savor British-made apple cider. A Tokyo-based restaurant had a menu featuring about eight types of apple cider. Recalling my past encounter in the UK, I was determined to experience the forbidden fruit of apple cider and headed to the establishment.

On the day of the visit, the specific type of cider I had intended to order was unfortunately sold out. Undeterred, I opted for my second choice among the eight varieties. The cider arrived in a bottle slightly larger than a beer bottle, along with a generously sized glass of about 500 ml. Pouring it into the glass, it effervesced lightly, and the bubbly foam settled on the surface. The color, a pale gold, was slightly more transparent than beer. Given the hot day, I instinctively took a sip. It had a mild sweetness, a refreshing taste, and a faint aroma of apples. It was perfect for the warm spring season. While the alcohol content wasn't too strong, this cider was incredibly easy to drink. Perhaps, after feeling parched from the heat, it tasted even more delightful. To be honest, I couldn't comprehend the notion that apple cider didn't suit Japanese palates. I didn't experience any unpleasant aftereffects that day or wake up with a hangover the next morning.

Accompanied by a substantial order of Caesar salad, fish and chips, and sausage rolls, I explored the compatibility of cider with these English dishes. The crisp flavor of the cider complemented the lightly fried fish, akin to tempura, beautifully. Its refreshing taste made it an excellent match, even with a greasy meal.

The consumption of apple cider in the UK is said to be the highest in the world. It is consumed in quantities comparable to the beloved British tea. The history of cider in the UK is ancient, with records dating back 3000 years when the Celts on the Britannia Isles made alcohol from crab apples. As the Normans invaded Britain, they introduced various apple varieties suitable for alcohol production, along with the technique of pressing apples. This pressing technique, considered cutting-edge at the time, significantly improved the efficiency of apple pressing.

Climate fluctuations also played a role in favoring apple cider production and consumption. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, a period of global cooling is said to have rendered the British climate unsuitable for grape cultivation. However, apples, thriving in colder climates, survived, and people's preferences shifted toward apple cider. Additionally, wars with France, Spain, and the Netherlands during this period disrupted wine imports, leading people to turn to traditional drinks like apple cider.

The UK boasts a rich variety of apple types, with 2500 out of 7000 worldwide varieties cultivated within the country. Reportedly, 56% of apples produced in the UK are used for cider-making.

The heartland of UK cider production is the West Country in the southwest of England. This region, including Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and more, is not only known for its temperate climate but also for its tourism destinations and unique local cuisine.

In the West Country, one can explore attractions such as Stonehenge, Gloucester Cathedral (a filming location for Harry Potter), Tintagel Castle in Cornwall associated with the legend of King Arthur, and indulge in the world-famous cream tea in Devon. This region offers a delightful combination of nature, tourist spots, and local cuisine. It's an area worth leisurely exploring while enjoying local apple cider in pubs during dinner.

Some may dismiss apple cider, assuming it's akin to juice and overly sweet. However, the variety of apple ciders available in Japan has expanded. There are both sweet types and dry types that are not too sweet. At least two kinds are typically available in stores.

As the weather warms up, now might be the perfect time to try a glass of apple cider, whether for the sake of conversation or simply out of curiosity. Numerous types of apple cider are available for purchase online, with varying alcohol content, catering to a range of preferences. Even those with a high alcohol tolerance can find options to enjoy. In these times where overseas travel might still be challenging, introducing a unique drink like apple cider to family and friends could be a delightful experience this summer.

References:

• A (Brief) History of Cider in the UK - The Orchard Project https://www.theorchardproject.org.uk/blog/a-brief-history-of-cider-in-the-uk/.
• The Amazing World of Apple Varieties - The Orchard Project https://www.theorchardproject.org.uk/blog/the-amazing-world-of-apple-varieties/
• The History and Origins of Cider - Great British Chefs https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/features/cider-history-origins
• Clotted cream - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clotted_cream

 

Translated from my book below