Orange Blossom has the classic Strongbow dry cider yeast base that creates a not too sweet yet refreshing palette that is opened up by the orange aromas on both the nose and in taste. It finishes extremely smooth with just the right amount of citrus on the end creating a delectably subtle experience.

Cherry Blossom pours a deep and bright red that is reminiscent of rosé wine and it leaves a red tinge on the otherwise bright white foam head that forms. Cherry notes dominate the nose yet in true Strongbow fashion the taste is in no way overly sweet; it is the perfect balance of sweet notes, cherry tart, and dryness added by the yeast. Cherry Blossom is the closest in style and taste of the three new flavors to the original Gold Apple as apple notes provide the base that the cheeky cherry notes rest atop. Cherry Blossom is definitely my favorite flavor other than the classic Gold Apple.

Strongbow Honey is actually my least favorite of the three new flavors since the natural honey notes dominate the palette a bit and make it a bit too sweet for my taste, but this could be a huge plus for many cider fans. Floral notes accent the honey and apple base well making a surprisingly complex experience.

My favorite of the mini four pack is the original Gold Apple; while the other varieties are great this is the true OG of the cider world and there is no apple cider that beats it. Gold Apple pours a brilliant transparent golden color that refracts light splendidly as rich yet dry apple notes dominate the nose. The palette is defined by the taste of many different apple varieties that are dry in nature but with a bit of sour acidity on the front end; this creates the perfect flavor profile that is exciting yet easy to drink.

I honestly cannot recommend the Strongbow Limited Edition Mini Pack enough; the 5.1 oz cans are the perfect size to sample all the flavors and at only $1 per pack they make a great deal. Pick up a mini can pack to find your next favorite cider, just be warned you will probably want to return immediately to get a full six pack of the flavor you enjoy the most.

The post Strongbow Minis – Drinking in Spring One Tiny Can at a Time appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

As I poured Strongbow Cherry Blossom into a stemmed cider glass a pink-tinged white head formed vigorously yet not very dense. The head quickly dissipated into a barely noticeable thin layer on a vibrantly red cider that resembled a deep Rosé wine. Upon first impressions, the nose first revels deep cherry scents with dry apple notes on the fringe with notes of Rosé being apparent as well. The flavor profile is frontloaded with strong Cherry aspects that are predominant yet not too overwhelming or overly sweet, the first sip then finishes with dry apple notes that are so characteristic of the original Strongbow Hard Cider. Overall Cherry Blossom Hard Cider is extremely refreshing due to it not being too sweet and having a dry and crisp apple finish.  

Just as the blooming of the cherry blossoms welcome spring in Japan and Washington DC Strongbow’s Cherry Blossom Hard Apple Cider is the perfect brew-based parlay into the warming months to come. Cherry Blossom Hard Cider is crisp and refreshing with a subtle sweetness that beckons for more on warming spring days.  

The post Spring is Here: Cherry Blossom Hard Cider by Strongbow appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.