Luscombe Organic Drinks Review
Luscombe Drinks
Reviewed by Sally Ellis
I was sent a lovely set of 4 bottles of Luscombe organic drinks, packaged very carefully in a smart gift box, complete with carry handle, and delivered inside a larger box filled with packing peanuts to ensure no breakage in transit. My first impression was of high-quality and I was pleased that the presentation box was printed with an abundance of information about the origins of some of their drinks, as well as listing a number of awards they have won. It gives one an understanding of not only the quality of the fruit that goes into their drinks, but also some background to the company themselves, who are a family business, intent on offering only the best in ‘quality, taste and fresh organic ingredients’.
Produced in a farm in Devon, they manufacture drinks with fruit direct from growers, priding themselves on ensuring they use no additives, preservatives, colourants, flavourings, artificial sweeteners and so on. It’s very nice to think that you’re getting exactly what you expect for a change, instead of lots of chemical nonsense that goes into so many other drinks.
The four drinks I (and my willing husband) tried were as follows:
St. Clements (Orange and Lemon Crush) – this was a beautifully refreshing, fizzy drink. I’d say that orange is the dominant flavour, but unlike fizzy-pop drinks, it wasn’t sugary. In fact this was a lovely alternative which I’d suggest as perfect as a cooling, summer drink (although I’m more than happy to be trying it in winter). Both sweet and tangy, it is an excellent mix of citrus fruit.
Pear and Apple Juice – probably my favourite of this set, this still juice drink was simply delicious, a fantastic mixture of the two fruits and I could have easily drank twice the amount in the 24cl bottle (they do a 74cl bottle as well). It took me only a moment to decide it tasted of apple pie – something about the creaminess (I insist on cream with apple pie!) and the perfect blend is just delectable!
Blueberry Crush – another fizzy drink, although I have to admit that I found this one a tiny bit tasteless. The deep colour had made me assume it was going to be strong in taste, but perhaps it was the bubbles that slightly overpowered the delicate flavour of the blueberries, so I had trouble enjoying this as much as the others. Nevertheless, it was still a satisfying fruity drink.
Devon Cider – Being pregnant, I had just a sip of this and let my husband (a cider-lover, of course) drink the rest. We both agree it had a beautifully crisp taste, with pleasing palate that wasn’t overly carbonated (in fact the packaging says it contains no preservatives or Sulphur Dioxide). It is obvious that a cider which has been produced ‘almost continuously since the 14th Century’ has got a winning formula and this one is something my husband said he’d certainly recommend.
Overall, Luscombe Drinks provide a wonderful variety of refreshing drinks, which are made from the best, organic ingredients, something that pretty-much guarantees their quality. Although not all flavours will suit everyone, their range will surely have something for every taste. In fact, I will admit to being disappointed that my favourite, Sicilian Lemonade, was not part of this set, so I shall endeavour to try that as soon as possible! Same goes for Raspberry Crush, Strawberry Crush, Ginger Beer (Hot/Cool/Passionate varieties) etc…. The list is rather long, but I assure you they’ve got me quite hooked.
Considering the quality of both ingredients and production, these drinks are very reasonable in cost and for such an exceptional product, it’s worth every penny. I can’t wait to taste more!
Rating: 4.5/5
For more information visit www.luscombe.co.uk.
