Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/977771
DEPARTMENT HEADER 120 / the tasting panel / may 2018 FOLIO: 120 / the tasting panel / may 2018 A s the leading cider brand in the United Kingdom, Strongbow represents a category that accounts for a staggering 20 percent of the beer market in its home nation. Now the British cider titan is focusing on the growth opportunity presented by the American market—where cider makes up just 1 percent of beer sales. Brand Director Eric Markus recog- nizes that tastes in the U.S. are a bit different than those in the U.K., which is why Strongbow's newest flavor, Rosé Apple, has been tailored specifically to stateside consumers' preferences with its semi-dry flavor, crisp carbonation, and refreshing taste. "People are consistently telling us they are looking for refreshing beverages that are easy to drink, regard- less of the season," says Markus of the flavor, which has 50 percent less sugar than other leading hard ciders and up to 35 percent fewer carbs per bottle than other leading rosé ciders. Strongbow's third-generation master cidermaker spent several years experi- Colored Glasses STRONGBOW'S NEWEST CIDER IS THE FLAVOR CROSSOVER WINE LOVERS HAVE WAITED FOR by Mara Marski photos by Laura Rae A cold, crisp, and refreshing Strongbow Rosé Apple is designed to help alleviate the fast-approaching heat. Rosé