Pilot by Ascension

Pilot is a juicy cider made with a bland of Russet and Bramley apples, with the addition of fresh Braeburn apple juice that really confuses the nose in a very good way.

  • Region: Sussex, England
  • Alcohol: 4.8%
  • Style: Off-sweet, still, Eastern Counties
  • Vintage: N/A
  • Apple varieties: Russet and Bramley with Braeburn juice
Ascension Pilot cider

Tasting Notes

  • See: Golden in color, with hints of lemon around the rim; non-transparent
  • Smell: Very juicy, strong scent of unripe tomatoes and mild hint of banana skin
  • Taste: juicy and fun, really easy to drink, pleasantly smooth

Notes from the producers

[…] Best selling session cider. A blend of Russet and Bramley cider and fresh Braeburn juice delivers the super juicy flavours that Ascension is so well known for.

Personal Notes on Ascension's Pilot

Pilot by Ascension is a fun, intensely juicy still cider that is great for drinking with friends, if only to see their confusion on smelling it. It has a really interesting nose that perhaps makes it so pleasant and peculiar, smelling strongly of un-ripened tomatoes. Given the big difference with Beardspoon’s Undercider’d – also made with Bramley and Russet apples – it seems that the tomato-y nose is strongly connected to the addition of Braeburn juice or the different terroir where the apples are grown. 

On Ascension website, Pilot is available in can, keg or even Bag In Box. 

Food pairing

Incredibly easy to drink, it is perfect  for aperitif or with delicate shellfish and seafood dishes.