de Cider

Today I suffer a hangover. Not induced by excessive drinking of alcohol but instead the harsh realisation that our good old pal 'beer' is drifting.

It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon. The sun is demanding attention, friends are gathering for one last recap before we lay to rest our social allies for another working week and theres nothing quite so sweet then sitting down with a cold refreshing glass of….. BEER àCIDER, Sundays newest darling.

An article in yesterdays Sunday Telegraph confirmed what I have been dwelling for months, that sadly beer has lost grip as the top grog of lads and dolls alike.

I can’t say im shocked. I've sensed beers absence for the better part of spring/ summer. That bugger 'Bulmers Apple cider' started its world domination on a sly note, first by mimicking the sanguine golden colour and texture of beer so us lemmings wouldn’t even notice our fickle friends at the table next door were in fact cheating on the drink that used to capture our nation. Like ducks to water we were lead astray before we even had the chance to properly cheers each other.

Bars, Pubs and clubs are recognising the global Cider trend, making the bold move to home Bulmers on tap right alongside its beery favourite rival; Carlton Draught. Often Sunday sessions become too much for The Beery and the demand for cider runs dry sending the watering holes occupants into a wild animal frenzy. The ongoing trend is seeing excitement and anticipation amongst young 20 somethings who typically grew up in a beer enthused environment.

“I like cider because the froth doesn’t get stuck in my moe so much when I drink it. I also feel less guilt cos its made with fruit and its better for you. When it comes down to beer and Bulmers…theres just no deCIDER’’- Pistol Pete, surname withheld for privacy reasons

Twas a victorious feat. And as nostalgic it is to say this summer affair with Cider seems to be no one off encounter. Once considered the weak substitute to the legend that is; beer, Cider has well and truly earned its place as a refreshing summer beverage. Congratulations to the ‘largest growing alcoholic beverage in Australia’. Call it the apple of our eye if you must. I say we have a mighty revolution on our hands. This once considered old- folk English tradition has seemingly plopped itself onto the 7.30pm flight departing Heathrow airport direct to Sydney, Australia and isn’t looking back. Coming from Irish heritage I hope to do my ancestors proud as they watch this underdog rise.

And with every rise comes a fall. Beers sales in Australia have dropped by almost 10% in the last 12 months alone. Let us face the facts. The rise in Cider drinkers all round shows a significant mark on the modern day male, not afraid to sparkle things up wether being Apple or Pear in flavour. The days of the male cracking open a can of gut filling VB after a long day are taking a comfortable back seat. Move over stereotypical males of the 90’s and make way for todays metrosexual male. He quite possibly spends more time on his hair than us, Often chooses reality Tv over a game of footy, isn’t afraid of the repercussions when ordering a bright red cocktail at the bar, gets excited when shopping for a new outfit, doesn’t shy aware from hugging same sex friends, jumps up and down in delight mouthing every lyric when KeShas ‘We are who we are’ plays, and has no doubts whatsoever in discussing in detail his deepest and most heartfelt feelings with his man friend, who also carry their feelings around…in one awesome man bag might I add.

Call me old fashioned, but consumption of beer may fall, popularity of cider will rise. But ill be damned if I am going to say sayonara to the thirst quenching beverage of legends for good.  And as much as I am on board the cider train, I still like to look up to those I know who are seldom seen drinking without a (true) coldie in one (or each) hand.  So whatever your choice of beverage, lets not dwell on statistics; for the only winner is the loyal consumer. And if he’s loyal at all…he won’t even recall his actions from the previous night let alone the alcoholic culprit.