Cider Guide: Where to Buy, Cans vs Bottles, and Finding Funky Dry Ciders

If you love the bright acidity and tannic bite of traditional English-style ciders, this short guide answers common questions people search for about cider—how packaging affects taste, where big retailers stock popular brands, and how to locate craft producers and taprooms. It also points out what to look for if you want a dry, funky cider like Spaziotempofunk.

1. What is a "cider can" and does packaging matter?

A "cider can" is simply cider packaged in an aluminum can rather than a bottle. Packaging does affect the experience in practical ways:

• Freshness: Cans block light and are airtight, helping protect delicate aromatics and preventing skunky flavors caused by light exposure.
• Carbonation: Many canned ciders are intentionally carbonated for a lively mouthfeel; others are still — check the label.
• Transport & convenience: Cans are lighter, chill faster, and are safer outdoors.
• Serving: Pour a can into a glass to better appreciate aroma and color; drinking straight from a can mutes aroma.

In short: cans can preserve freshness well and are convenient, but taste will depend primarily on the cidermaker's choices (apples, fermentation, aging) rather than the can itself.

2. Does Tesco sell cider?

Yes — major supermarket chains such as Tesco typically carry a wide range of ciders, from mass-market brands to some regional and craft options. Stock varies by store size, location, and season (summer tends to expand cider displays), so it’s a good idea to:

• Search Tesco’s online shop for specific brands or styles.
• Visit larger stores or Tesco Extra locations for a broader selection.
• Ask staff or check their in-store craft/independent beer section for smaller producers.

3. Is Kopparberg available at Tesco?

Kopparberg is a widely distributed fruit cider brand and is often available at Tesco and other large retailers. Availability depends on your country and store, so check Tesco’s website or the local store inventory. If Kopparberg isn’t in stock, look for similar fruity or mixed-fruit ciders in the same aisle or online.

4. What is on a "Cider Riot" menu?

Cider Riot is known in some regions as a cidery/taproom or as part of craft cider scenes; menus typically include:

• A rotating list of house ciders (dry, medium, fruit-infused, barrel-aged)
• Seasonal limited releases and single-varietal apple expressions
• Small plates or snacks paired with cider (cheeses, charcuterie, fries)
• Flights for tasting several ciders side-by-side

If you want a specific location’s menu, check that cidery’s official website or social channels—taprooms frequently update offerings and host special events or collaborations.

5. Where to buy Cider Riot or other craft ciders?

Finding small-batch or local ciders like Cider Riot often requires a few different approaches:

• Cidery/taproom: Direct from the producer is the best way to try the widest range, including limited releases.
• Specialist bottle shops: Independent beer and wine retailers often stock craft and regional ciders.
• Online retailers: Many online shops and marketplaces ship craft ciders nationally or regionally—search by brand or style.
• Farmers markets & festivals: Local cider festivals and markets are excellent for discovering small producers.

If a specific craft cider isn’t available locally, reach out to the maker; they often list stockists or ship directly.

Choosing a Dry, Traditional English-Style Cider (what to look for)

If you’re searching for a dry cider with tannic structure and a bit of funk, keep these tasting clues in mind:

• Style labels: Look for terms like “dry”, “traditional”, “English style”, or “still” (meaning non-sparkling).
• Apple sources: Single-orchard or named-apple blends often indicate craft production and complexity.
• Fermentation & aging: Ciders aged in oak or fermented with wild yeasts can show tannin, funk, and savory notes.
• Tasting notes: Expect acid, astringency/tannins, and a dry finish; descriptors like “nude and raw” or “light tannic bite” point to a traditional profile.

Where a cider like Spaziotempofunk fits in

Spaziotempofunk is a deliberately blended, multi-site, and multi-technique dry cider that celebrates the cidermaker’s craft — balancing acid, sweetness, astringency, and a touch of controlled eccentricity. If you’re exploring dry, English-style ciders with a bit of funk and tannic bite, you’ll appreciate its character. Consider trying

when you want a cider that’s raw, scorrevole (smooth), and proudly funky.

Quick tips for buying and tasting craft ciders

• Check producer websites and social media for stockists and pop-up events.
• Buy a bottle to share and taste it over time—some ciders evolve after opening.
• Pair dry ciders with salty or fatty foods (cheese, roasted pork) to balance acidity and tannins.
• Ask for flights at taprooms to compare styles and learn what you prefer.

Enjoy your cider adventures: whether you’re picking up a can for convenience, hunting a specific brand at Tesco, or discovering a small cidery’s menu in person, there’s a wide world of apple-driven flavor to explore.