 Strongbow Pear Cider was released in 2012 to take advantage of the upsurge not only in Hard Cider sales but the ever expanding flavoured variants market. It is produced by H.P Bulmer in England, who have been brewing the original Strongbow Cider since its initial release in 1962. Amazingly, if my facts are correct it is the Worlds Leading Cider Brand with a market share of 15%. A staple brand of park benches everywhere, Strongbow is associated, by me anyway, with two distinct target audiences. Underage drinkers & those of us unfortunate enough to have succumbed to Alcohol addiction. Empty Strongbow bottles are a common site in parks and river paths up and down the United Kingdom, usually in the company of the somewhat cheaper White Lightening Cider.  As someone who didn't drink cider until my mid twenties, Strongbow wasn't part of my formative drinking years. In fact I would be pretty certain it has never passed my lips, until now. Having recently received a 4 pack as a gift I took the decision to take the plunge with as open a mind as I could get. I planned to work up a thirst before trying it, as I figured ice cold cider sampled with a thirst on would be more agreeable no matter the flavour or brand. So, last Sunday morning I set out on my Bicycle to get the blood pumping and get my body ready for the reward. That, i should point out is as method as it comes when we talk about sampling booze! So after an epic 45 minute session covering some 7 miles, there are a lot of hills near the LiquorJunky Bar, I free wheeled back to base, hopped off my ride and made towards the Bar. Admittedly I probably wasn't a pretty sight as I rubbed my tender ass all the while panting like a fat kid chasing a snickers bar. However, I had done what I set out to do and had a thirst like never before With a weak straw coloured pour, it gave off a rich Pear scent, albeit slightly chemical in its makeup. It settled down quickly in the glass and the first long sip was cool crisp & satisfying. Strongbow Pear has a reasonable aftertaste and finishes off better than I expected. This is certainly a cider that you could settle for on a summers day in a beer garden. Its clear I am not a fan of Strongbow, nor a fan of falavoured ciders on the whole. In saying that This Pear cider isn't going to offend. Its a reasonable place to start your Cider adventure, just make sure you move on quickly.  Curiously Pear Cider doesn't appear on the Strongbow Website. Has it been discontinued already? While I wasn't as harsh on this as I imagined I would be. It should be noted that I was hot, tired and feeling like a busted Sofa.
400ml Can serving, 4.8% ABV Purchased in Home Bargains, Larne as a gift. Price unknown, but I would imagine it is cheap. www.Strongbow.com Please Drink Responsibly
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