Oct. 14th, 2025

vivdunstan: Part of own photo taken in local university botanic gardens. Tree trunks rise atmospherically, throwing shadows from the sun on the ground. (Default)
Should update folks on my low/no alcohol cider taste testing. Had fun. Here is my ranking from favourite to least favourite. I was the main one drinking, but Martin also tried a little, and generally shared my views. I like a strong traditional alcoholic cider taste with a whoomph. Blame my Somerset husband 😜 I also prefer a dry tasting cider to anything sweeter.

Best: Sheppy's low alcohol - like proper cider, with whoomph! Not too sweet. So very good compared to all the others.
Next: Sainsbury's low alcohol - a bit weak in taste, but very drinkable, and not too sweet.
Next: Inch's no alcohol - strange smell (too apple-y for me - I'm not looking for apple juice elements!) but tastes good.
Next: Weston's Stowford Mill low alcohol - has whoomph but far too sweet for me, so not a hit.
Worst (by quite a long way): Thatcher's no alcohol - awful smell and taste, and reminds me of Magners, in a very bad way. We usually love Thatchers cider, but this was not at all for us.

The switch from normal alcoholic cider to low or no alcohol cider (but still with a proper British cider-y whoomph) has helped my alcohol-triggered stomach problems immensely. So pleased with that. I am still drinking a 330ml can of Birra Moretti with our mid-week Italian takeaway meal. Getting away with that. But two cans wouldn't work. I've also stopped drinking wine, which triggers me 50% of the time - not worth it! But I am still enjoying gin and tonic, and small occasional servings of ice cider from Somerset!
vivdunstan: Warning sign re risk of being mobbed by seagulls (dundee)
Never mind being alarmed by Christmas looming far too soon. Picked up today in our local supermarket, an information booklet + booking information for the New Year's Day Dook in Broughty Ferry, Scotland. Shiver! No we're not doing the chilly swimming thing ourselves!

Official programme for the New Year's Day Dook 2026 organised by Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association (founded 1884). Entries Now Open! Food Fun Fancy Dress! 1st January at Broughty Ferry Harbour 1pm. A painting on the front shows brave souls swimming in the chilly water with spectators watching from the harbour front.

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vivdunstan: Part of own photo taken in local university botanic gardens. Tree trunks rise atmospherically, throwing shadows from the sun on the ground. (Default)
vivdunstan

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