Scrumpy Jack

Strongbow must now have the Canadian market completely locked up -- more's the pity. I can't find my beloved Scrumpy Jack anywhere. And oh! how I miss it. There's nothing like the sweet-tart flavour of Scrumpy Jack. Beside it, Strongbow tastes like carbonated vinegar. Yet wherever in Toronto cider is on the menu, Strongbow is the only one offered. I always make a point of asking for it, however. Sweeter than beer but nothing like the syrupy taste of soda pop, Scrumpy Jack satisfies thirst, delivers a polite kick and stands alone or goes with any kind of pub food or snacks. I think it could even present itself honourably with fancier fare too. But it truly shines as a pub drink on a hot day, at the end of a long work day, or with lunch on a lazy weekend. Please somebody, bring Scrumpy Jack back to Toronto pubs!

I absolutely love this beverage. I was introduced to hard cider drinks while my serrvice in the United States Marine Corps. I was stationed in San Diego California and my first taste of a hard cider was a "George Hornsby's". I immediately gave up beer. During my first tour to the Persian Gulf in '99 I tasted two new ciders. The first was in Singapore and it was a cider called "Strongbow". It was very strong and I liked it except for the very harsh aftertaste - which to me is very important. The second one I found during my travels was in Australia - Perth, Western Australia to be exact. I was in the company of two very attractive older Australian lasses. They were basically seeing that I had a good time while visiting the land down under for my first time. I relayed that I preferred hard cider to beer and the closest of my companions suggested Scrumpy Jack. I loved it so much I talked the bar tender at the pub into allowing me to buy a mug. I've been looking for it in the USA and have had no luck. I will continue to look in desperation.