Gaymers (£1.61 for 568ml) 3/5

This cider was a lively little thing and even the smallest of sips could result in bubbles floating up your nose. That said it was rather refreshing although the taste was on the bland side.

Kopparberg (£1.65 for 500ml)4.5/5

Probably the pick of the bunch this one. The sweet taste and refreshing qualities make this a rather moreish cider, the ideal beverage for a summer barbecue.

Bulmers (£1.79 for 568ml)4/5

Like the Gaymers cider, Bulmers' effort was a little too fizzy. That said, over ice it's extremely refreshing and the taste is crisp and light making this a worthy runner up.

New Forest (£2.49 for 500ml) 2/5

As an advocate of local produce and the small businessman I desperately wanted this one to win. However, I just couldn't warm to the taste, which was extremely acidic and not at all refreshing. What's more it costs a whopping £2.49 a bottle.

St. Helier (99p for 500ml) 3/5

This is the cheap and cheerful one of the bunch. The taste is sweet and it's relatively refreshing, but when you sip on it you don't feel like you're sipping on a quality cider. Middle of the road stuff at bargain basement price.