Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, a brand of White Plains, N.Y.-based Heineken USA, unveiled its newest flavor, Strongbow Cherry Blossom. The new flavor and recipe delivers a cut-through, refreshing taste with delicate cherry blossom and red fruit aromas and an underlying note of apple, the company says.

In celebration of the launch, legal-drinking-age attendees at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., will be among the first consumers to sample Strongbow Cherry Blossom, it adds. The brand is sponsoring several festival events including the Pink Tie Party and continuing through the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks.

"We are particularly excited that spring is here, and that we can finally celebrate it in style by sharing our new Strongbow Cherry Blossom with our fans," said Alejandra de Obeso, brand director of Strongbow for Heineken USA, in a statement. "Strongbow Cherry Blossom is a beautifully balanced cider that evokes some elements of a rosé wine, and has actually received the highest taste test ratings in our brand's history from both men and women. We recommend serving Cherry Blossom over ice to help bring out its distinctive cherry blossom and red fruit aroma, and enjoy the bright taste of its unique blend of bittersweet and culinary apples."

The flavor announcement follows the launch of the brands latest TV commercials staring actor Sir Patrick Stewart. The second iteration of the national campaign highlights Strongbow's range of award-winning hard cider flavors, which over ice, deliver the "bestest" cider experience possible, the company says. Strongbow Cherry Blossom will debut nationally March 28.

"In working with Strongbow, I have been able to follow the impressive creativity that is poured into both their advertising campaigns and their hard ciders," Sir Patrick Stewart said in a statement. "I had the opportunity to be one of the first persons to try Cherry Blossom right before we did the shoot and find that it is a perfect complement to their range of flavors."

Heineken USA’s Chief Marketing Officer Nuno Teles added: "Strongbow is known for its heritage and commitment to providing legendary liquids, and we know our consumers are curious and always looking for new and exciting flavors. Strongbow Cherry Blossom is a reflection of our relentless commitment to product innovation."
Cherry Blossom will launch in six-pack packaging throughout the month and will replace Red Berries in the Strongbow Variety Pack in June, the company says.

All flavors in the new variety pack are gluten free and packaged in 11.2-ounce bottles. Strongbow Gold Apple and Strongbow Honey are 5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), while new Strongbow Cherry Blossom and Strongbow Ginger are 4.5 percent ABV.