Magners and Irish Cider: What It Is and How to Drink It
Magners is an Irish apple cider made since 1935 in the town of Clonmel, County Tipperary. It is traditionally drunk over ice in a pint glass, and that is exactly how we serve it too.
What is cider?
Cider is a fermented drink made from apple juice, usually with 4 to 6 percent alcohol. Unlike beer it contains no malt or hops; its flavour comes from the apple varieties and the way it ferments. Ireland and Britain have some of the longest cider-making traditions in Europe.
Where did Magners come from?
William Magner began making cider in Clonmel in 1935. Two years later he joined forces with the Bulmers company, and in Ireland the cider is still sold under the name Bulmers Irish Cider. For export, including to the Czech Republic, the name Magners is used to avoid confusion with the English Bulmers. The cider is made from 17 apple varieties and matures for up to two years.
How do you drink Magners properly?
- Take a pint glass and fill it halfway with ice.
- Pour the cider slowly over the ice. It cools to the ideal temperature without going flat.
- Drink it fresh; the ice gradually releases the apple aroma.
Serving over ice was made famous by a 2005 advertising campaign, and it has been as much a part of cider culture ever since as the two-part pour is to Guinness.
Who is cider for?
Cider is a great choice for anyone who does not get on with the bitterness of beer. It is naturally crisp, gently sweet and refreshing, perfect for a summer evening but also a lighter alternative to a dark stout. It works well with food too, especially cheese and pork.
At Little Island in Frydek-Mistek we have Magners on tap, which is still something of a rarity in the Czech Republic, where most places only offer bottles. Come and try a properly chilled pint at tr. T. G. Masaryka 1129. You will find the full range at /napojovy-listek.