Westons have been making cider at Much Marcle in Herefordshire since 1880, and the low-alcohol Stowford Press follows the same sourcing rules as the full-strength version: all apples from within 50 miles of the mill, matured in old oak vats, no artificial colouring, flavouring or sweetening. For a 0.5% cider, that's a more considered process than most. In the glass it's pale gold and clear, with a restrained nose of fresh apple skin and a faint trace of honey. The palate is on the sweeter side - ripe orchard fruit up front, a gentle tartness from the malic acid, and a bittersweet note coming through in the finish that keeps it from being cloying. Carbonation is moderate; the body is light but not thin. It's a straightforward cider that doesn't try to do too much. The low ABV doesn't noticeably compromise the flavour, and the absence of artificial sweeteners means it avoids the synthetic edge that trips up a lot of low-alcohol alternatives.