Astringency versus bitterness. Astringency in cider is the drying, rough and puckering sensation caused by tannins literally drying the saliva. It is a touch sensation involving the whole mouth mucosa.
Bitterness from tannins on the other hand is one of the primary basic tastes of the tongue. Bitterness is noted quickly. Astringency takes longer to detect as saliva needs to be affected chemically and lasts longer. #cider #astringency #bitterness #tannins