Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all Collapse all

• 1. Is Magners the same as Bulmers?

  In Ireland, Magners is actually called Bulmers and so takes the same inspiration from traditional cider making methods that were used back in 1935. It is the same crisp, refreshing taste - just with a different name on the label.

  In the rest of the world, Magners Original Irish cider and Bulmers are completely different ciders. They are owned by different companies and have completely different tastes.l.

  
  Find out more on our History

• 2. Why is Magners called Bulmers in the Republic of Ireland?

  Bulmers Ltd. of Clonmel, Co Tipperary, Ireland are the manufacturers of both Bulmers sold in Ireland and Magners, which is sold outside Ireland. But we do not own the trade mark for Bulmers outside of the Republic of Ireland.

  The Magners name is derived from the name of local Clonmel man, William Magner, who in 1935 started cider production and founded the company which is today Bulmers Ltd, of Clonmel.

  The Magners brand name was developed by Bulmers Ltd. in 1999 when the company decided to expand into a number of export markets. The Magners brand intentionally mirrors all the product and design characteristics of the Bulmers brand sold in Ireland.

  
  Find out more on our History

• 3. What Makes Irish Cider Different From Other Ciders?

  Magners Irish Cider is a premium brand of Irish cider. Magners Irish Cider is produced using traditional ingredients and, as importantly, a process that replicates the traditional cider-making process.

  We ferment the apple juice using many yeast strains including those naturally present in the fruit. Magners has profiled the characteristics of the best traditional fermentations to identify the most important strains of natural microflora in the original Magner’s cider-making process. A unique modern process allows these diverse natural microflora to develop, from fermentation right through to maturation. Today we can influence and control the fermentation dynamics, to ensure quality and consistency, and to deliver the characteristic taste of Magners Irish Cider. After fermentation the cider is matured for typically six months to two years, with samples drawn off and tested for purity, taste and alcohol content. During maturation a secondary fermentation called malolactic fermentation takes place. This is also an important feature and helps to develop the flavour during maturation.

  All this care gives Magners Irish Cider its crisp, refreshing taste.

• 4. Does Magners Use Irish Apples?

  Magners Irish Cider is Ireland's biggest single purchaser of Irish apples. The entire harvest from Magners' 200 acres of orchards, together with the total harvest of cull of apples in the Republic of Ireland plus a substantial portion of Northern Ireland's crop, is required for the Magners cider products. Seventeen varieties of apples are used in the production of Magners Irish Cider. They are Michelin, Dabinett, Yarlington Mill, Bulmer's Norman, Tremlett's Bitter, Breakwell Seedling, Taylor's, Harry Master's Jersey, Medaille d'Or, Reine des Pommes, Ashton Bitter, Bramley's, Grenadier, Brown Thorn, Brown Snout, Vilberies and Improved Dove. Most of these varieties are grown in the Magners' orchards in Clonmel.

  Originally poles with hooks were used to shake the branches of the trees until the apple harvest carpeted the floor of the orchard. Today apples are harvested using a semi-automated process but hand-picking is still a major feature of the Magners apple harvest time. Traditionally cider apples were hand-harvested between September and December. Now different varieties of apple mature at different times of the season, thus allowing the orchard managers to pace the harvest and produce sufficient varieties to make up a traditional blend like Magners, throughout the year.

• 5. What is the Full Portfolio of Magners Products?

  • Magners Original
  • Magners Light
  • Magners Pear
  • Magners Golden Draught

• 6. Which countries can I buy Magners in?

  • United Kingdom
  • USA
  • Canada
  • Caribbean
  • Sweden
  • Finland
  • Denmark
  • The Netherlands
  • Belgium (and Luxembourg)
  • France
  • Germany
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Bulgaria
  • Czech Republic
  • Spain
  • Portugal
  • Malta
  • Italy
  • Greece
  • Cyprus
  • Israel
  • UAE
  • Abu Dhabi
  • Bahrain
  • Qatar
  • Singapore
  • Hong Kong
  • Thailand
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • New Zealand

  The one place you can't buy Magners is in Ireland. That'd because we sell it there under the name Bulmers!

• 7. What's the difference between regular Magners and Magners Light?

  Magners Light is a cider that provides all of the crisp, refreshing flavour and natural character you would expect from Magners but with fewer calories. Boasting the same refreshing quality as Magners Original and the same alcohol strength, Magners Light comes in at just ONE weight-watchers point per bottle! In fact it contains just 92 calories (per 330ml bottle) and has less than 1% carbohydrates, but is still 4.5% ABV.

• 8. Do you use apples in Magners Pear?

  The only fruit we use in Magners Pear Cider is pear. The best quality pears are ripened, carefully selected, then slowly fermented and cold filtered to provide a distinctive character and a delicately refreshing taste.

• 9. What's the difference between Magners Golden Draught and regular Magners in bottles?

  Magners Golden Draught is produced with the same craft, care and dedication as Magners Original Irish Cider in bottles. The product, however, differs from bottled Magners as it is made using a higher proportion of the smaller, harder Dabinett and Michelin apples. This produces a crisper, less sweet taste which is perfect for draught cider. Magners Golden Draught is served extra cold so there is no need for ice.

  Magners Golden Draught is currently only available in Scotland.