The term for this category is traditional but possibly misleading: it is simply a cider with substantial added sugar to achieve higher alcohol than a common cider.
Aroma/Flavor
Comparable to a Common Cider. Cider character must be distinctive. Very dry to slightly medium.
Appearance
Clear to brilliant, pale to medium-gold. Cloudiness or hazes are inappropriate. Dark colors are not expected unless strongly tannic varieties of fruit were used.
Mouthfeel
Lighter than other ciders, because higher alcohol is derived from addition of sugar rather than juice. Carbonation may range from still to champagne-like.
Overall Impression
Like a dry white wine, balanced, and with low astringency and bitterness.
Comments
Entrants MUST specify carbonation level (still, petillant, or sparkling). Entrants MUST specify sweetness (dry or medium).
Vital Statistics
| OG | 1.070 – 1.100 |
| FG | 0.995 – 1.010 |
| ABV | 9 – 12% |
Commercial Examples
[US]
- AEppelTreow Summer’s End (WI)
- Wandering Aengus Pommeau (OR)
- Uncle John’s Fruit House Winery Fruit House Apple (MI)
- Irvine’s Vintage Ciders (WA)