Strongbow Unveils Cherry Blossom Hard Apple Cider

Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders has unveiled its newest flavor, Strongbow Cherry Blossom. The flavor and recipe delivers a cut-through, refreshing taste with delicate cherry blossom and red fruit aromas and an underlying note of apple, in a sophisticated shade of red, say company officials.

In celebration of the launch, legal drinking age attendees of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. will be among the first consumers to sample Strongbow Cherry Blossom. The brand is sponsoring several Festival events, including its debut at the Pink Tie Party and continuing through the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks.

"We are particularly excited that spring is here, and that we can finally celebrate it in style by sharing our new Strongbow Cherry Blossom with our fans," says Alejandra de Obeso, brand director Strongbow at HEINEKEN USA, who was involved in the development of the new flavor. "Strongbow Cherry Blossom is a beautifully balanced cider that evokes some elements of a rosé wine, and has actually received the highest taste test ratings in our brand's history from both men and women. We recommend serving Cherry Blossom over ice to help bring out its distinctive cherry blossom and red fruit aroma, and enjoy the bright taste of its unique blend of bittersweet and culinary apples."

The flavor debut follows the launch of Strongbow's latest TV commercials starring legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart. The second iteration of this witty national campaign highlights Strongbow's impressive range of award-winning hard cider flavors, which over ice deliver the "bestest" cider experience possible, officials say. Strongbow Cherry Blossom will be revealed as part of the campaign starting next week, on March 28.

"Strongbow is known for its heritage and commitment to providing legendary liquids, and we know our consumers are curious and always looking for new and exciting flavors," says Nuno Teles, chief marketing officer at HEINEKEN USA. "Strongbow Cherry Blossom is a reflection of our relentless commitment to product innovation."

Cherry Blossom will be launched in a six-pack during the month of March and will eventually replace Red Berries in the Strongbow Variety Pack in June, alongside Strongbow Gold Apple, Strongbow Honey and Strongbow Ginger. The new flavor will also be competing at the next 2016 World Cider Championships in April.

All flavors in the new Variety Pack are gluten-free and sold in 11.2-ounce bottles. Strongbow Gold Apple and Strongbow Honey are 5 percent ABV, while new Strongbow Cherry Blossom and Strongbow Ginger are 4.5 percent ABV.