Rope

From Ukcider

Rope is a cider fault in cider caused by bacterial activity.

The result is in the cider becoming viscous or oily. In extreme cases, the cider when poured forms 'strings' or 'ropes', hence the name. Usually the ropiness manifests itself in the early stages by small clumps of viscous matter floating in the cider - if you've ever seen 'mother of vinegar' in a vinegar bottle then it looks a little like that (but it's not the same thing). This can be removed and the cider's taste is unaffected and it can normally be drunk without any ill effects on the drinker. The ropiness will only get worse with long term storage, as there is no proper remedy.