Tremlett’s Bitter

Why you should be excited

Tremlett's Bitter is an English cider variety packing a firm punch of tannic bitterness. Perfect in a cider blend.

The story of Tremlett's Bitter

If the idea of a bitter cider does not immediately appeal to you, consider this: cider without the body provided by bitter cider varieties can seem terribly thin and watery, even by the standards of those who don't like bitterness.

That's why a variety like Tremlett's Bitter is so valuable. You don't need a lot of it in the blend to give a cider some life and substance, but in its absence, well... you'll have a pretty forgettable beverage.

So we suggest you embrace the bitterness of Tremlett's Bitter, even if the proportion of this juice in your cider is so small you barely notice it. It can be the difference between a memorable drink and an entirely uninteresting one.

Tremlett's Bitter Facts

Its origins

Discovered in Devon, England, late 19th century.

Flavour, aroma, texture

This cider variety's juice is strongly bitter as well as sweet.

Appearance

Medium-sized with light red striping over a yellow-green background skin colour.

When they’re available

Late season (usually in mid-October).

Quality for fresh eating

You'd be crazy to bite into this bitter apple. Cider only.

Quality for cooking

Not a good idea. Far too bitter.

Quality for cider

A valuable cider apple. Especially good as part of a blend with less harshly tannic varieties.

Keeping ability

Cider varieties are generally not stored for long before they're used.