Strongbow (Strongbow)

Member Name: ice_pink

Product:	Strongbow
Date:	03/10/08 (1410 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, readily available, does the job!

Disadvantages: Tastes very bad warm - the headache the next day!

Strongbow

Ah, a nice pint of Strongbow sitting in the beer garden on a warm summers day - can't really get much better than that can you!

I'm not really much of a cider girl - vodka and lemon or Malibu and diet coke is more of my thing. But when my finances start to dip (which happens on a regular basis), I always go straight to the Strongbow. I'm ashamed to admit the reason why, but I will - it's because I find I get the same effect of having five Vodkas from just one pint of cider, which results in a cheaper night all round, and when your paying £4 a drink it really does make all the difference!

The brand is one of the best selling ciders and you will find it on tap in most pubs and bars.

The Strongbow site describes the drink as "a crisp, premium cider which delivers maximum refreshment in an authentic, traditional English recipe." Although I'd hardly call the brand a premium brand, they aren't too far wrong with the description. The cider is definitely what I'd describe as crisp, and has the standard cider apple-y taste. Whilst it is obvious from the first sip that it isn't the most expensive on the market, it certainly doesn't taste as cheap as, say, the dreaded White Lightening that you often find attached to fifteen year old schoolboys hanging around alleyways!


The varieties

You can purchase Strongbow on tap from most bars and clubs these days - prices vary dramatically from area to area from £1.50 on cheap nights to, well, the skys the limit really, especially in the city!

Four 440ml cans from Tesco will set you back £2.69, or a 2 litre bottle for £2.74. There are constantly special offers on in supermarkets, Asda recently did a promotion of 15 cans for £10 which is a bargain!


The bad bits

All alcohol is fattening, and the sad truth is if you are trying to lose weight, it's probably not going to happen if you are a big drinker. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. However! Everyone should have a little bit of what they fancy now and again, so as long as you don't go too crazy, too often, you shouldn't let the high calories put you off.

You will find a staggering 239 calories in a pint of Strongbow, which is almost as many as you will find in a Mars bar. So, say you have three pints, which I'm guessing is pretty average, that's 717 - over a third of your recommended daily calorie allowance. Cider is one of the most calorific drinks on the market, and it also gives you that bloated effect, and the dreaded 'beer belly' - in one of the hardest places to lose weight. So if you're worried about your weight, steer clear!


The alternatives

Although I don't mind drinking Strongbow cider, it is far from my favourite drink. It gives me a horrible headache the next day, and when warm it is almost impossible to drink, that is, unless you are on your fourth pint! When cold, it is a refreshing drink but after a while the chemical taste is quite noticeable, so under no circumstances attempt to drink from a warm can of cider - it could possibly be one of the biggest mistakes you will ever make haha.

A good alternative to Strongbow cider is Bulmers, which contains slightly less calories - it is more expensive, but it really is a case of you get what you pay for - this cider has a much more prestigious and apple-y taste, and doesn't leave a horrible taste in your mouth.


The verdict

I hope I don't offend anyone by saying this, but I really wouldn't recommend Strongbow cider to those looking for a bit of luxury, or as a treat. For me anyway, I only use it as a means of upping my alcohol levels on a budget. Saying that though, half of a pint of iced Strongbow does make a refreshing drink in the summer, but you don't really get the same effect with a warm can.

Overall, the price is excellent, you can't really get much better, so it's definitely worth a try, and if you do like it, then it's a bonus!

Summary: An average, cheap cider