Magners vs. Bulmers — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 22, 2023
Magners and Bulmers are both brands of Irish cider, but they are marketed differently depending on the region. In Ireland, the product is primarily known as Bulmers, while outside of Ireland, it's generally called Magners.
Difference Between Magners and Bulmers
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Key Differences
Magners and Bulmers are essentially the same cider product but are branded differently for marketing reasons. In Ireland, the cider is predominantly known as Bulmers, named after the original company founded by H.P. Bulmer. Outside of Ireland, the same cider is usually marketed as Magners to avoid confusion with the English cider company also called Bulmers.
Both Magners and Bulmers are produced in Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland. The recipes and production methods are essentially the same for both. The decision to market the product under two different names was a strategic one, designed to separate the Irish cider from its English counterpart.
Magners is a familiar name in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland), and other international markets. On the other hand, in Ireland, you're more likely to encounter Bulmers on the shelves and in pubs. Both are known for their rich, fruity flavors and crisp finish, aimed at cider enthusiasts.
Magners cider tends to be promoted in a variety of flavors and formats, including draught and bottled versions. Bulmers, too, is available in different formats but may have specific offerings tailored for the Irish market. Thus, while the product is fundamentally the same, the branding and marketing efforts do create certain distinctions.
Comparison Chart
Market
International (excluding Ireland)
Ireland
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Company Origin
Clonmel, Ireland
Clonmel, Ireland
Name Recognition
Known in the U.S. and the U.K.
Known in Ireland
Flavor Offerings
Varied
May have Ireland-specific flavors
Format
Available in draught and bottles
Available in draught and bottles
Compare with Definitions
Magners
Available in various formats.
You can get Magners either on draught or in a bottle.
Bulmers
Known for its crisp finish.
I enjoy the crispness of Bulmers cider.
Magners
An Irish cider brand marketed outside of Ireland.
I ordered a pint of Magners at the pub.
Bulmers
An Irish cider brand marketed within Ireland.
In Ireland, people commonly order Bulmers.
Magners
Produced in Clonmel, Ireland.
Magners comes from Clonmel, a town in County Tipperary.
Bulmers
Also known as Magners outside Ireland.
Bulmers is what they call Magners in Ireland.
Magners
Known for its fruity flavor.
I love the rich apple taste of Magners.
Bulmers
Produced in Clonmel, Ireland.
Bulmers is made in the same Irish town as Magners.
Magners
Also known as Bulmers in Ireland.
Did you know that Magners is called Bulmers in Ireland?
Bulmers
Available in different formats.
You can buy Bulmers in both bottles and on draught.
Magners
Magners Irish Cider is a brand of hard cider produced in County Tipperary in Ireland by the C&C Group. The product range includes the cider varieties: Original, Light, Pear and Berry.
Bulmers
Bulmers cider is one of a number of brands owned by British cider maker H. P. Bulmer of Hereford. It is one of the biggest selling British bottled cider brands in the UK because it has the highest concentration of apples, with a number of variants including Bulmers Original & Pear.
Common Curiosities
Why two names for the same product?
The cider is marketed as Bulmers in Ireland and Magners elsewhere to avoid confusion with an English cider also named Bulmers.
Where is Magners/Bulmers made?
Both are produced in Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland.
Are Magners and Bulmers the same?
Yes, they are essentially the same product but are marketed under different names.
What is Bulmers?
Bulmers is a brand of Irish cider sold within Ireland.
What is Magners?
Magners is a brand of Irish cider marketed primarily outside of Ireland.
What flavors do they offer?
Both brands offer a variety of cider flavors, though some may be region-specific.
How are they marketed differently?
While the product is the same, marketing campaigns and product offerings may vary by region.
Is Bulmers related to the English cider of the same name?
No, the Irish Bulmers is a separate entity and should not be confused with the English brand.
Is one cheaper than the other?
Pricing can vary by region and retailer, but they are essentially the same product.
Is Bulmers sold internationally?
Outside of Ireland, the cider is usually marketed as Magners.
Can I get both in draught and bottles?
Yes, both Magners and Bulmers are available in draught and bottled formats.
Is Magners available in Ireland?
Generally, the brand you'll find in Ireland is Bulmers.
Are they both made by the same company?
Yes, they are produced by the same company in Ireland.
Do they taste the same?
Yes, they are essentially the same product and thus have similar flavors.
What are some similar cider brands?
Other similar cider brands include Strongbow, Stella Artois Cidre, and Angry Orchard.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.