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)
