Strongbow® Hard Apple Ciders Partners With Sir Patrick Stewart For New Campaign (Video)

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., March 17, 2015 – Today, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, the number one selling global cider brand¹ and best tasting hard cider at the 2014 World Beer Championships², announced the launch of their latest television commercial campaign starring legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart. The witty national campaign highlights why Strongbow over ice is the "bestest" cider experience possible, so much that even a respected celebrity the caliber of Sir Patrick Stewart isn’t necessary: Strongbow only needed ice and an award to promote its crisp, refreshing taste. The latest commercial is a continuation of the brand’s "Cider at Its Bestest" campaign.

The commercial will air in two versions with alternate endings; the first :15 spot, titled "Award," begins airing tonight, while an alternate ending :15 spot will debut later this year.  The launch will be supported through a mix of traditional and paid media, digital, PR and experiential marketing.

As a cider fan, the idea of working with Strongbow was very appealing, and the tone of their creative idea paired perfectly with my own," said Sir Patrick Stewart. "We had a great time filming the spots, and I’m looking forward to my continued support of the campaign in the months ahead."

"We’re incredibly excited to have Sir Patrick Stewart on board with our new campaign, as his comedic wit embodies the humor of the brand. He was such a good sport and had a bit of fun improvising with Strongbow, which we all truly enjoyed," said Alejandra de Obeso, Brand Director Strongbow, HEINEKEN USA. "We can’t wait to bring the signature Strongbow over ice experience to even more fans, wherever they are, especially now with the launch of our latest flavors and variety pack."

The good-humored campaign, created with Strongbow’s agency partner Droga5, demonstrates that all you need to sell Strongbow is ice, as Strongbow over ice is cider at its "bestest." 

In addition to the new TV campaign, Strongbow has unveiled two new flavors, Strongbow Red Berries and Strongbow Ginger, as part of a brand new variety pack launch. The variety pack, which also features Strongbow Gold Apple and Strongbow Honey, includes three bottles of each flavor and is sold nationally, available year-round. With refreshment at its core, Strongbow Red Berries delivers a blend of sweet, tangy mixed berries with subtle lemon notes and crisp apple finish, while Strongbow Ginger pairs the taste of fresh-sliced ginger with muscato notes for an undeniably refreshing experience. Enjoying any Strongbow flavor over ice is the perfect way to kick off evening plans or celebrate the end of a work day while catching up with friends.

All flavors in the new variety pack are gluten free and sold in 11.2 oz. bottles. Strongbow Gold Apple and Strongbow Honey are 5% ABV, while Strongbow Red Berries and Strongbow Ginger are 4.5% ABV. To find all Strongbow flavors near you, please visit our product locator at www.discoverstrongbow.com