Perry

Perry is the gentler, more floral cousin of cider: pale straw to light gold, delicate and off-dry to dry, with a soft nose of ripe pear, honey, elderflower and spring blossom over a faint grassy freshness. The palate is light and rounded, carried by a fine natural acidity and, from the sorbitol in perry pears, a lingering sweetness and smooth mouthfeel that persists even when the drink is fully dry, so perry tends to taste softer and less sharp than cider of the same strength. Tannic farmhouse perry adds a light astringent grip and a quince-and-almond note; sparkling and bottle-conditioned versions gain a fine, wine-like bead; and iced perry is a richer, sweeter, more concentrated dessert style. Throughout, perry stays subtle and aromatic rather than bold — a quiet, honeyed, blossom-scented drink best served cool.