West Avenue – Bulmer’s Norman

Cider Profile:

Name: West Avenue – Bulmer’s Norman English Cider Apple Series
Sampled February 2026

Brand: West Avenue Cider Type: Apple – Single Varietal Location of Production: Freelton, ON ABV: 6.9% Website Link: westavenue.ca/ Ingredients: N/A Gluten Free: Yes Sugar Content: N/A Size(s) available: 750ml (bottle) Availability: West Avenue retail and online stores Flavour: Apple (Bulmer’s Norman) Colour: Translucent apricot orange Carbonation: Small, streaming bubbles. Lively when opened.

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Cider Crate Tasting Notes:

Smell: Strong aroma. Sour and funky apple. Bittersweet and caramelized apple. Slightly woody.
Initial Taste: Medium bite from carbonation. Extra dry, funky apple. Tannic and some acidity and a bit of astringency.  Cellaring + dank notes. Semu-muted but present typical bittersweet characteristics.
After Taste: Apple becomes softer and fades out. Thinner body here. Grassy notes that stay awhile.
On ice: Watered down. Less juicy. Loses tannin and other elements.

Additional Notes: As a part of their English Cider Apple series, West Avenue’s single varietal Bulmer’s Norman is an extra dry, tannic and somewhat acidic offering. It starts off tannic, but not stripping to the palate. We think some of the bittersweet notes of the Bulmer Norman’s seem muted a bit, its not super crisp or apply. You do get some caramelization. Stronger elements upfront, it fades quickly into the aftertaste, especially the body. Apples are a bit funky and sour, but not wincing. 

Rated on a scale of 1-5
Sweet – 1.5
Sour – 4
Crisp – 2.5
Dry – 4.5
Fruity – 3.5

Next recommendations:
More Sweet – Cold Creek – Cuvee Madeleine (2024)
More Sour – Heemans – Dolgo MLF
More Dry – 1818 – Lost & Found
More Crisp – Loch Mor – Danforth Rd: Harry Masters Jersey

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