Strongbow, the iconic global cider brand, unveiled its new Red Berries variant to join in the ranks of its refreshing range of apple cider variants – Gold, Honey and Elderflower. To celebrate the launch of the new variant, guests were treated to a gastronomical journey where they discovered exciting food pairings with the Strongbow Apple Ciders variants.
The Red Berries variant is a full-flavoured deep Rosé apple cider made with premium berries. This variant has a juicy hint of delicate berry flavours, while the crisp sweetness of apples is well-balanced alongside the acidity of the red fruits. With a long finish and a mild aftertaste of apples, the Strongbow Apple Ciders Red Berries has an alcohol content of 4.5% ABV.
At Cantaloupe, Troika Sky Dining, guests indulged in a four-course meal which paired seamlessly with the Strongbow Apple Ciders. Before the meal, guests tried three appetisers: fresh oysters with ginger flower and ceviche espuma, rye blinis made with trout roe, cauliflower cream and truffle egg foam, as well as almond panna cotta with caviar and smoked maple syrup.
With the Strongbow Apple Ciders Gold variant, guests were served with the pan seared scallop with diced apple and black sesame purée, as well as the Hokkigai and grilled mushroom with mushroom custard, crowned with green peas mixed with melon. The diced apple and Hokkigai paired wonderfully with the invigorating finish of the green apple notes of the cider.
Next was the smoked salmon, confit potato with crème fraîche, horseradish, and salmon roe garnished with chives, and the crab and pomelo mayo in a watermelon jalapeño pepper gazpacho, which were served with Strongbow Apple Ciders Elderflower. The sweet floral aroma enhanced the freshness of the smoked salmon and crab meat.
Later, guests savoured the marriage of the Strongbow Apple Ciders Honey and hickory smoked wagyu beef tenderloin coated with balsamic glaze and tempura mushroom, as well as the breaded organic chicken with chicken skin, date purée, chicken jus, garnished with spring onions. Both the dishes harmonised perfectly with the Honey variant.
Finally, the highlight of the night – Strongbow Apple Ciders Red Berries – boasted its sweet fruity flavours when paired with the Nitrogen (N2) cherry cheese cake, macerated cherry, lemon crumble and mini mix fruit Pavlova with passionfruit cream, giving it a blissful and sweet end to the night.
All variants of Strongbow Apple Ciders are gluten-free and are bottled in 330ml embossed pint bottles. The Strongbow Apple Ciders Red Berries will be on sale for a limited time only at bars, restaurants and supermarkets from mid-November 2015 to February 2016, whereas the Strongbow Apple Ciders – Gold, Honey and Elderflower are sold year-round.
