Cheeky Mick by Bignose & Beardy
Cheeky Mick is a still medium-dry cider made by Bignose & Beardy in Sussex, England. It’s crisp and refreshing, and for those who are not normally a fan of Western Counties cider, this is a particularly approachable choice.
Cheeky Mick 2022 at glance
- Region: Sussex, England
- Alcohol: 6.7%
- Style: medium dry, still
- Vintage: 2022
- Apple varieties: Spartan and other unknown eating apples with a dash of Dabinett
Tasting Notes
- See: Transparent, golden, almost no sediment
- Smell: Crisp, fresh, a touch of fruitiness, very wine like
- Taste: medium-dry, pleasant acidity, mild tannins and a medium-short finish. Juicy, crisp and refreshing mouthfeel with notes of fresh green apple and a touch of vanilla.
Notes from the producers
A mix of Spartan and unknown eating apples collected on a picking day with friends at Mick Scrace’s orchard, along with a dash of Dabinet from Quarry Farm. It is an easy drinker, light and crisply acidic with no edges and a long soft finish. Perfect for a warm summer evening with friends.
Personal Notes on Cheeky Mick 2022
2022 vintage of Cheeky Mick is a surprise to me because – based on reviews of Cheeky Mick 2019 – I expected very fruity notes. Nonetheless, this is a surprisingly savoury cider with mouth-wateringly zingy notes and balanced acidity, leaving my mouth wanting more.
In comparison to other Bignose and Beardy ciders I have tasted, which tend towards dry, still and savoury, Cheeky Mick 2022 tastes different – agreeable and easily approachable even to those who tend to avoid Western Counties ciders.
This is the kind of cider that the more I drink it, the more I want to drink, although at 6.7% it is a little strong for a session cider. With its fun, succulent and straightforward personality, this is a cider ripe for summer sipping – perfect for a sunny afternoon in the garden.
Food pairing
This cider needs something that cuts through its acidity, perhaps with some salt: seasoned salty cheese like cheddar would be perfect.
