This is a cider that I was a bit surprised to find in Washington DC. Traveling on the left coast, I've run into BlackThorn on tap and in bottles in Washington, Oregon, and California, but never back East. So far, the only form of it that I've found on the Atlantic side of things is in Pint (500ml, 16.9oz) cans, available in 4-packs at a handful of DC area shops.
It says on the can "A Distinctive Crisp, Dry Taste". I will heartily agree that the taste is certainly distinctive, and dry. the crispness is something that only ever comes out when it's well and truly chilled. Unlike many ciders that get a sort of warm bite to them as they warm up in your hand, BlackThorn tends to just get harsher and acquires a vaguely yeasty aroma that can put you off if you're not expecting it. There is an almost acidic bitterness that sweeps the back of your tongue on the way down your throat. There is very little sweet about this cider (in contrast to Woodchuck Amber or Scrumpys Organic), though there is a hint of tart that comes through when it is chill.
With many ciders (and beers, I'm told) room temperature is supposed to be the best for getting the full body of flavor from your drink. The aroma which accompanies this libation when warm, however, tends to overpower the otherwise refreshing crispness which makes this cider worth keeping around. The label around the neck of the can says "Serve Chilled" and I would take it one step further: Don't even think about it unless the frost forms up the glass as you pour. But if you can keep a couple of cans or bottles at the back of the fridge or the bottom of the ice bucket, savor this smooth cider while you can.
http://www.blackthorn.uk.com/home.asp
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