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When I did the first review of this multipack, I forgot that I had already tried a blood orange derivation of this cider family. I remembered absolutely nothing about them, and I suspect I'm going to remember nothing about this multipack by the time I'm done. It's just hard for a cider to really stick out as memorable, for whatever reason. Maybe this blackberry version will buck the trend. I don't think I would have gone out of my way to find a blackberry beverage, but I'm not averse to this type of berry. Here's hoping it's a good one.
I don't know why I didn't expect it to be as dark as it wound up being, but it actually is quite lighter in the daylight. It is a brilliant oak red. These are all carbonated, and I'm reminded of that when I pour, but now that I'm looking at it just sitting there, it doesn't look all that carbonated. The aroma is, as is probably predictable, blackberries and apple. It smells very sweet, and I'm hoping that that is to its benefit. Glancing at the label, I am reminded why I was not complaining about the artificially sweetened taste of the previous beverages. After all, they use real sugar. As a result, this whole can is 150 calories. That isn't especially great, but I would rather take the calories then regret my choice of beverage.
First sip is not great. The sweetness of the berries is clashing with the tartness of the apples. I'm not sure that the added sugar is helping anything at all. As a result, the beverages a muddled mess as far as the sip is concerned. I can't tell you if it's going to get better, but I sure hope it does. This is not a beverage I would go back to, and I'm already thinking about getting rid of the two cans I have left in my fridge.
Tip-in is watery, tart apples with a little berry flavor edging its way in. The middle is where ciders tend to have their best, and this one does. The tartness in the sweetness are well balanced as the beverage becomes very watery to convey a sense of refreshingeness. The finish is still not great with berries coming on a little harder and hitting against the tart apple wall before leaving the mouth dry and slightly puckering.
Bottom Line: Not one I would go back to again.
1.25/5
