Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/674905
may 2016 / the tasting panel / 65 During National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. in March, Strongbow launched its new Cherry Blossom expression at the Pink Tie Party and continued through the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks. De Obeso, who was involved in the develop- ment of the new flavor, notes, "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." Cherry Blossom comes in a six-pack, and in June, it will replace Red Berries in the Strongbow Variety Pack, alongside Strongbow Gold Apple, Strongbow Honey and Strongbow Ginger. PHOTO COURTESY OF HEINEKEN USA Strongbow Cherry Blossom launched in March during National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. at the Pink Tie Party. The Cherry on Top PHOTO COURTESY OF HEINEKEN USA cider fans has them in a position where their goal of solidly being the second- best selling cider in the U.S. has practically been assured. Over time, people will remember this number two, because the brand seems destined to be number one sooner than later. The Game Changer There's a difference between an Irish pub and an "Irish pub." Drop by Fado in Philadelphia, and you'll immediately notice an authenticity that needs no quotation marks. A healthy part of that genuine nature is driven by pints of Strongbow quaffed by passionate soc- cer fans, who gather here daily to be beguiled by The Beautiful Game. "No self-respecting Irish or English Pub would go without cider," explains Mark Quagliarello, Fado's Bar Manager. "We aim to foster that kind of environment; for us, that means offering Strongbow." While Strongbow helps evoke the right environmental feel—particularly amongst those who've visited the UK—it also helps to satiate the curiosi- ties for imbibers that haven't traveled abroad. "Even though Strongbow isn't new, it's still new to a lot of people over here," Quagliarello states. "We're currently at a time where everyone's looking for something different to drink. Strongbow fits that mindset really well."