Magners

[Champagne]

I've had a lot of people telling me that this is the best cider about. So what's the big deal? I tried it, but I don't think it's the best on the market.

[Sugarplum]

I quite agree, someone tell us why it is so special, its has no after taste - is this because of the ice would it taste any better without the ice? No pretty boring too. I thought it was my tastebuds so went and tried a Waitrose own brand vintage cider (aprx �1.50) and it had taste bursting out all over.

Why I answered - I was in an Irish themed (South London) bar last week end and about half a dozen were drinking the classic Guiness and the rest jangling glasses of ice and bottles of Magners it looked very odd not unsimilar to a tv advert! 

[Narolines]

Ice?.......With cider?........on what planet? 

[Champagne]

Narolines, Magners is traditionally served in a glass with ice. Dunno why. That's the Irish for you I guess! I have tried it straight from the bottle though Sugarplum and it is refreshing. I actually like it, but I have to say I much prefer the Waitrose ones too. Dabinet Organic for me please!

[JamesEverton]

It's just clever marketing.... the ice is a gimmick that differentiates it from having a half of Woodpecker. For some reason an idealised image of the Irish has become cool with advertisers and young consumers are easily led.

Having said that, there's nothing wrong with Magners. It's just not as special or different as the advertisers would have you believe.

[CiderMonkey]

no, i don't think it's the best, although i do like it. But for me, you can't beat a good scrumpy....  :-)

[frizzytwig]

Magners in ireland is called Bulmers.  The ice is not a gimmick, I've been to Dublin many times to visit family and the people drinking Bulmers nearly always have the large bottle with a pint glass and a separate glass of ice.

[Narolines]

This ice thing is new to me - I have run across Magners, but only in Cyprus (where else?!!) , and it's always served just like any other cider there.  I can't imagine wht the advantage would be in a drink that's supposed to be served at approximately room temperature - surely it would kill any but the strongest flavours, and stop it tasting like cider.  Maybe that's the point........

Having tried it in its natural state it's OK, but not really any different from many other emasculated ciders available in pubs.  Now when Symonds were still making their Luncheon Dry in Herefordshire.....that WAS a pint of cider!

[Champagne]

It seems that most people agree with me on the Magners then. Nice, but not exceptional. I always like it when a pub does Scrumpy Jack on tap. Mmmm...

Thanks all for your input. x