Strongbow cider: an overview of the taste and types
The British Isles have developed their own culture of making and drinking this drink. This is why you won't confuse English cider with anything else. Especially if it is "Strongbow".
Cider recipes with apples, cherries, pears.
"Tight onions" from Foggy Albion
The history of Strogbow cider began in 1962, at the H.P.Bulmer.
It got its name in honor of Sir Richard de Clare, the famous medieval knight, also known as "The Tight Bow".
"Strongbow" has become the most popular drink in H.P.Bulmer.
According to statistics, this brand accounts for a third of all cider sold in England.
And if we talk about the global scale, every sixth bottle of cider on the planet bears the sign of an archer.
However, even this titan of the alcohol market has not escaped globalization. Today H.P.Bulmer is a part of Heineken, and the stylized archer has given way to a golden apple.
But Strongbow continues to delight its fans with its signature taste and bright appearance.
Strongbow flavors
The Strongbow brand is very diverse. The country of origin plays an important role here.
Depending on the region, you can find both the usual varieties in the original version and very exotic variations.
The following drinks are available in Russia.
Strongbow Gold Apple
Traditional English cider and a classic member of the family.
Made from apple juice, it has a sweet and sour taste and a bright aroma of fresh apples. The strength is 5%. Easy to drink and does not leave a hangover.
An interesting point is that tasters note that Russian Strongbow is sweeter than English Strongbow.
Strongbow Honey
Another classic recipe of H.P.Bulmer. It is slightly sweeter than Golden Apple, and its apple flavor is not as intense.
Unfortunately, the "taste of honey" promised by the creator is almost not felt.
Strongbow Ginger
A modern drink for outdoor enthusiasts.
Here, the sweet and sour taste of the original cider is generously diluted with ginger.
The result is very similar to ginger ale, but with a characteristic sourness. Strength reduced to 4.5%.
Strongbow Red Berries
And this is a gift for those who love something special.
Bright burgundy color, perfectly harmonizes with the taste of strawberries and red apples.
The aftertaste is long and very sweet, which is why some people compare the drink to "liquid chewing gum".
Strongbow Dark Fruit
A rare guest on the shelves of Russian stores.
The bouquet of this dark red cider consists of cherries, raspberries, elderberries and black currants.
The taste is sweet with a slight sourness. The flavor is rich, berry. Aftertaste - bright, long lasting.
How and with what to serve Strongbow cider
Unlike the continental tradition, the British serve cider in beer glasses, not champagne or cognac glasses.
Beer mugs, especially clay mugs, can also be used. And of course, like beer, cider can be drunk straight from the neck.
As for food, the best company for the drink will be dishes of lean meat, chicken, fish and seafood.
A good idea would be to serve cider to the table of oriental cuisine. But Central Asian dishes are not the best companion. They are too fat for such a neighborhood.
Among the appetizers, the cheese plate is an ideal candidate. Moreover, you can serve both delicate and spicy cheeses.
You can also serve fruit and sweet pastries, especially pies and puddings, with Strongbow.
And finally, remember that cider is best drunk cold. Low temperature (10-12˚C) better reveals its taste and aroma. It will also give you a strong kiss of freshness.
Update: 10.12.2018
Category: Beer, Cider, Ale