Strongbow Cider

Brewed by Bulmers Cider (S&N, Heineken)
Style: Cider
Hereford, England

Not sure why Strongbow cider is on a BEER web page. Strongbow to me tastes like sickly sweet apple juice. Friends and I used to drink Strongbow and other ciders when we were younger, but just lost all taste for it. I will say that I occasionally buy a can of Strongbow to make black velvets with, but that’s it.

With a name like ‘Strongbow’ you might get the idea that this is a somewhat formidable potion. But in fact, it’s rather bland, lacking any real taste distinction. Elsewhere in the same bottle, the aroma is sort of petite, the palate not real noticeable one way or the other and the appearance, like the name, is a bushwhack waiting for the unsuspecting neophyte.

Overall, a rather typical commercial cider. A bit better in quality and taste than most US brands, but compaired to other UK brands not good.

On tap: I guess you order this when you’re in St. Catherines, Ontario for a rowing regatta, your options are limited, and you’ve never had it before. Aroma is a somewhat weak sour apple. Pale yellow with virtually no head (almost looks flat with the exception of some sporadic bubbling). Looks pretty bad, but I’ve seen worse, giving it a 2 almost by default. Flavor is a watery sour apple and is pretty consistant from start to finish. I have to admit, it was somewhat refreshing and went down easy, but I had just finished rowing in 90+ degree heat...almost anything would have been refreshing. Very thin with modest carbonation. You can do worse.

Hard to rate this using a beer scale, but here goes. The aroma was very good, and just like cider, was all apples and a hint of sweetness. Appearance was not carbonated, had no head and no lacing.....but again, it’s cider. The flavor threw me, as I love both apple cider and beer....just not yet sure how I like them together. However, I had this on a hot summer night in Atlanta, after finishing a couple other beers, and a large meal, and it actually hit the spot. I will try this again under similar circumstances.

Draught at James Joyce Pub in Durham, NC. Clear golden color with no appreciable head. Smells of....apple. light and fruity apple flavor, slightly sweet, but fairly dry as ciders go.

Sampled at Broudy’s Beefest, Jacksonville FL, 3 June 2006. An OK cider. I’m not a big fan of ciders but they are a good for a change of pace on occasion. Nothing exciting in this one, just a smooth apple flavor and not too sweet.

Smooth, apple, no kidding. Not exciting, but very easy to drink. Better than many non-alcoholic ciders you can buy. So, if you like cider at all, and want a buzz, stock up!