Stowford Press [Archive] - Pubs Galore Forums

Blackthorn

27-01-2011, 07:26

It cerainly seems to be getting a lot more popular. Traditionally Bristol has been a Blackthorn stronghold with virtually every pub stocking it at one time, but ever since Taunton Cider was bought by Matthew Clark (about 15 years ago maybe?) it's been on a slow steady decline. Rumour has it that the first thing MC did was change the receipe to make it sweeter and therefore appeal (apparently) more to other parts of the country, and they've tinkered with it several times since.

This has not got down well locally, and other brands, predominantly Stowford Press and Thatcher's Gold, have stepped in to fill the gap and now Blackthorn is a comparitive rarity.

So, in answer to your question, Yes, it probably is. But I wanted to explain that down here it's not really displacing Strongbow as that never had much of as hold anyway. It will be good to see the back of it though, as much as I like going away and trying different pubs, the fact that I could only ever get Strongbow in them was always a disappointment. I remember a visit to York a few years ago was particulalry disappointing as that was what seemed to be on in every single pub. For me it's just far too sweet, just as bad as Olde English and Woodpecker.

Ashton Press is my current favourite though if you ever come across that. Made by Thatcher's for Butcombe, although probably not widely available outside of these parts.

Oggwyn Trench

27-01-2011, 08:37

Loads of it round here , then again we are only an hour or so up the road from Westons , it seems to be the default cider for real ale pubs

aleandhearty

27-01-2011, 11:14

I'm not a cider drinker, so I don't actively seek out what's available. However, my impression of most local pubs is that Strongbow is the default 'T-bar' offering. However, many of the better real ale pubs have rotating guest ciders, with Weston's 'Old Rosie' a particular favourite.

Brewguru

27-01-2011, 11:18

Definitely a straight battle betweem Stowford press and Thatchers Gold down in South Somerset, with Ashton Press a creditable third. Strongbow doesn't suit this area. I know of a pub that struggled to sell it in 2 months at £2 a pint. They switched to Thatchers Gold and that is comparitively flying out in 10 days. Oh, and they have stowford as well!
Hardly any Blackthorn that I can recall.
(wasn't it always Dry Blackthorn?)

aleandhearty

27-01-2011, 11:28

This thread's piqued my curiosity now. I'll do a bit of research next time I'm out and about. I might even try a pint of something....:)

Strongers

27-01-2011, 11:33

The only pub I know of in London that sells Dry Blackthorn cider is The Express Tavern in Brentford. I used to hate going there with my work colleagues when six or seven years ago as I used to drink Strongbow all the time, hence the user name Strongers which was given to me by the barman in Gertie Browns in Hampstead that is now long closed. My taste buds have changed as I’ve aged as I cannot stand the stuff now. I’m not that keen on Old Rosie either after five pints and a liquid botty burp in the Duke of Hamilton in Hampstead, the first and last time I’ve entered a pub with underpants on and left without… Probably too much information!

aleandhearty

27-01-2011, 11:47

Probably too much information!

:D A tad!

trainman

27-01-2011, 12:57

Addlestones also seemed to be in ascendancy over last few years. A search shows it to be part of Gaymers.
Ale pubs do tend to go for a real cider, rather than a genre equivalent of Fosters.
Florence Arms in Southsea is a good venue to head for if you are an apple or pear -head, and very friendly.

Blackthorn

27-01-2011, 13:06

(wasn't it always Dry Blackthorn?)

Yes, it did used to be many years ago. I'm not sure when the "Dry" got dropped, presumably sometime after Matthew Clark got their grubby mits on it and started it making it sweeter. Although apparently at one time there were two versions of it, a comparaitively dry one for the west country, and a slightly sweeter one for everywhere else.

Addlestones does seem to be cropping up a bit more often as well, although that was also Matthew Clark as they owned Gaymers. They sold it a year or so ago to the Magners lot.

Oggwyn Trench

27-01-2011, 13:36

Yes, it did used to be many years ago. I'm not sure when the "Dry" got dropped, presumably sometime after Matthew Clark got their grubby mits on it and started it making it sweeter. Although apparently at one time there were two versions of it, a comparaitively dry one for the west country, and a slightly sweeter one for everywhere else.

Addlestones does seem to be cropping up a bit more often as well, although that was also Matthew Clark as they owned Gaymers. They sold it a year or so ago to the Magners lot.

The lot that own Magners , C&C group also own Olde English , Gaymers , Addelstones , Tennants and just to confuse things Bulmers , not the Hereford one although they used to have something to do with Magners years ago

Farway

28-01-2011, 12:52

Florence Arms in Southsea (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/14037/) is a good venue to head for if you are an apple or pear -head, and very friendly.

Ah yes, your recent review has prompted me to revisit next time I venture down Southsea, but this time before I have had a few in the Barley Mow (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/13961/) and others in between :glass::glass:

hondo

02-02-2011, 07:05

http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=215646

arwkrite

02-02-2011, 12:10

The lot that own Magners , C&C group also own Olde English , Gaymers , Addelstones , Tennants and just to confuse things Bulmers , not the Hereford one although they used to have something to do with Magners years ago

Since Bulmers ( Hereford ) lost its marketing way , was split up and sold off local taste for the stuff has apparently waned. The youngsters drink bottles of Magners. Stowford Press is everywhere and Old Rosey a favourite way of scrabbling your brains.

I am uncertain what happens at the Hereford plant these days. There were some redundencies and I think the cider making moved up north ( a Scottish and Newcastle brewery ? ) with the bottling being done in Hereford . This might however be a complete load of rubbish.......nothing new there then.

Blackthorn

02-02-2011, 15:35

http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=215646

An interesting article, although no plans to sell it on draft by the looks of it. I have to take issue with a couple of the comments in their press release though:

"a taste profile that met consumer needs for a sweeter drink" - who are these people who want sweeter ciders? I've never met any. Everyone I know who drinks cider (and there's a few!) hate the sweet ones.

"premium cider rivals such as Bulmers and Magners" - What? Bulmers and Magners are premium ciders? Who are they trying to kid?

I'm not sure if this is a good think or not. To be fair to Magners, they have rejuvinated the whole category, which has in turn benefited other producers, so maybe the same will happen here.

Eddie86

03-02-2011, 21:19

We've been on Stowford Press for some time now. I can't remember the last time someone asked for a Strongbow - always been a 'Stowfords' or 'Old Rosie' asked for!

Al 10000

08-02-2011, 14:05

I am not a Cider drinker but heres a bit of imformation about a new cider Westons are bringing out.

This is a Westons quote

"A refreshing, contemporary carbonated cider topped with Cider ICE.Matured in oak vats to give a smooth apple taste which is cold filtered for a clean and bright appearence.
Together on draught with Westons Premium Cider is Cider ICE-NO added water,just PURE Cider ICE.
Featuring a unique dispense your pint consists of 2/3rd's Premium Cider which is poured first followed by the last third of pure Cider ICE.
Westons are driving this unique innovation with an exclusive cider only available through the exciting new Cider ICE dispense system"

Sounds brilliant:eek: does'nt it and how does the ice get through the pump?

This imformation was taken from the latest Nottingham drinker and they have renamed this new drink Slush Puppy.

Any thoughs on this.

Strongers

08-02-2011, 18:36

I used to love Slush Puppies when I was younger - Great way off getting the kids drinking cider!

Blackthorn

08-02-2011, 19:33

Thatcher's already do this with their Gold, it's available in some pubs as "slush". Only seen it a couple of times though, so presumably not really taking off.

hondo

09-02-2011, 08:45

Sounds brilliant:eek: does'nt it and how does the ice get through the pump?

watch the video
http://www.westons-cider.co.uk/Cider-ICE/

"I'm the king of the world!":cool:

Conrad

10-02-2011, 11:52

Oh God, it is for real then.

I am terrible for this sort of thing mind, I would have to try it just so that I could comment on how repulsive it was. The same mistake I made with Hoegaarden, the pump just looked so snazzy I had to try a pint and :sick:

Strongers

10-02-2011, 12:12

Never eat yellow snow! :sick:

hondo

14-03-2011, 10:01

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/90007?PagingData=Po_0~Ps_10~Psd_Asc

hondo

14-03-2011, 10:58

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/90020

arwkrite

14-03-2011, 12:58

The Nanny State is alive and well. So many pressure groups now sticking their oar in. You would think if they got of their backsides and did some real work then just may be this country would get itself out of the mess its in. I suppose sitting around a table pontificating on other people is more financially rewarding than getting your hands dirty.
I wonder if the medical fraternity are worried about the worn out organs they get are not fit for transplants and so could affect their job security. My guts are mine till I die. After that I don't give a toss what happens to 'em.:drinkup:

hondo

14-04-2011, 11:49

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/90345

hondo

14-04-2011, 12:36

http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Trends-Reports/Cider-is-only-alcohol-to-escape-drops-in-consumption

hondo

02-05-2011, 09:31

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/90455

trainman

02-05-2011, 10:50

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/90455

Look like sauce bottles to me...

hondo

02-05-2011, 10:59

Look like sauce bottles to me...

could give new meaning to going "on the sauce" :o

hondo

18-05-2011, 09:08

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-business/article-23951055-cider-in-fashion-magners-in-profit.do

hondo

01-06-2011, 06:52

http://offlicencenews.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/12205/Thatchers_to_sponsor_summer_concerts.html

Paris_Hilton

01-06-2011, 09:13

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-business/article-23951055-cider-in-fashion-magners-in-profit.do

IMO, it should be illegal to use the words 'Magners' and 'Cider' in the same sentence. Just take a look and check how much apple juice is used!

hondo

05-08-2011, 09:17

"Produced by Westons, the 4.8% ABV cider will be available in draught and bottles from the end of September or early October."

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/91329

hondo

16-08-2011, 12:53

"Pear & Ginger, Spiced Apple & Honey and Spiced Apple & Rhubarb"

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/91431

hondo

09-11-2011, 06:49

"20% of US cider sales "
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15641652

hondo

14-01-2013, 10:55

"Carling British Cider, with a 4.5% abv"
http://www.just-drinks.com/news/molson-coors-carling-british-cider_id109172.aspx
wonder how long it took the marketing people to come up with the name

hondo

06-02-2013, 09:16

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Drinks-Brands-News/Carlsberg-readies-Somersby-cider-for-launch-into-pubs

hondo

18-03-2013, 12:34

"perhaps the most eyebrow-raising result of all"
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Opinion/Pete-Brown/A-watching-brief-at-the-Beer-Oscars

hondo

22-04-2013, 12:47

"Hogs Back Brewery has crafted the cider in partnership with Thatchers"
http://www.thedrinksreport.com/news/2013/14886-surrey-brewer-to-launch-hazy-hog-cloudy-cider.html

Farway

22-04-2013, 13:15

Told in my local that Fuller's have dropped Strongbow & from now on it is Stowford Press, which is good as have switched to cider lately

hondo

07-06-2013, 08:17

"£3.8 acquisition"
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Company-City-News/Fuller-s-reports-profit-rise-and-enters-premium-cider-market

Farway

08-06-2013, 13:56

"£3.8 acquisition"
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Company-City-News/Fuller-s-reports-profit-rise-and-enters-premium-cider-market

Yep, but I refuse to pay Fuller's to buy it, £3.65 a pint in my local Fuller's pub [dictated by brewer it seems] and 3.40 in one also local to me, not a big decision to make IMO

PS Oh, and just spotted this new forum post

http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?14527-Wetherspoon-s-Cider-Festival-2013

hondo

13-06-2013, 09:09

"these two new ciders"
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Drinks-Brands-News/Henry-Westons-cider-at-the-double-on-draught

hondo

24-07-2013, 08:48

"style of cider not made at Aspall in over 50 years"
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Drinks-Brands-News/Aspall-launches-lower-alcohol-cider

Aqualung

24-07-2013, 14:06

"style of cider not made at Aspall in over 50 years"
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Drinks-Brands-News/Aspall-launches-lower-alcohol-cider

Sounds like yet another rip-off drink for Fuller's to add to their "portfolio".

Farway

26-07-2013, 13:21

Sounds like yet another rip-off drink for Fuller's to add to their "portfolio".

Surely low alcohol cider is an oxymoron?

Aqualung

26-07-2013, 18:41

Surely low alcohol cider is an oxymoron?

I would say an enjoyable pint of Strongbow is more of one, or to extend it an enjoyable pint of anything from the Global Corporate Abominations.

Until the recent Spoons Cider Fest I would have agreed, but the Mr Whitehead's Strawberry Cider at a pathetic 4% remains one of my top three from the sixteen ciders. It had a big apple taste and a very clear strawberry taste.

aleandhearty

26-07-2013, 18:54

I don't necessarily have a problem with the re-launch of a traditional style - it could be viewed as the cider equivalent of a boy's bitter. However, the pricing issue is key. The article states that the brand is aimed at the premium on-trade, which probably tells you all you need to know.

Aqualung

26-07-2013, 19:55

However, the pricing issue is key. The article states that the brand is aimed at the premium on-trade, which probably tells you all you need to know.

Quite!!!!

hondo

31-07-2013, 09:00

Cider prospects boosted by heatwave
http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/fmcg/cider-prospects-boosted-by-heatwave/347765.article?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss

hondo

12-09-2013, 09:21

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Drinks-Brands-News/Merrydown-Cider-moves-into-pubs-and-bars

hondo

22-10-2013, 09:33

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Drinks-Brands-News/First-spirit-flavoured-cider-to-hit-the-market

hondo

18-12-2013, 11:59

http://www.beveragedaily.com/Regulation-Safety/Carling-British-Cider-does-not-need-British-apples-Molson-Coors

hondo

11-03-2014, 09:11

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Drinks-Brands-News/Healeys-unveils-new-cider-for-St-Austell-Brewery-pubs

hondo

02-07-2014, 12:42

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Drinks-Brands-News/Strongbow-campaign-Bittersweet-to-highlight-quality-and-Britishness

aleandhearty

02-07-2014, 13:44

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Drinks-Brands-News/Healeys-unveils-new-cider-for-St-Austell-Brewery-pubs

'Pouring cider'? As opposed to what? The sort you eat with a spoon?

Aqualung

02-07-2014, 15:31

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Drinks-Brands-News/Strongbow-campaign-Bittersweet-to-highlight-quality-and-Britishness

Owned by Heineken UK, that's the company that turned a failing local pub into a gastropub with limited opening hours, no parking facilities, expensive beers from Wells and Caledonian and has been empty ever since it opened.

Brilliant! They've convinced me. I'll be asking for Strongbow while the Spoons Cider festival is on! Where could I have possibly got the idea from that it was made primarily from the concentrated juice of French dessert apples?