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Beer Styles

Cider

Beer style guide

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  • Cider
  • 3–8.5% ABV
  • medium body
  • low-medium bitterness

At a Glance

90–320Calories
3–8.5%ABV
low-mediumBitterness
mediumBody

Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →

On this page

What is Cider?

Cider is fermented apple juice ranging from dry and crisp to sweet or tannic, with still, sparkling and oak-aged expressions.

Taste profile

low-medium bitternessmedium bodyAppleAcidicCrispSweetCider
Apple(high)Acidic(medium)Crisp(high)Sweet(low)

Sensory profile

BodyLight – Full
StrengthSession – Strong
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
  • Style group: Cider
  • ABV range: 3–8.5%
  • medium body

What do these dimensions mean?

Body
medium
Sweetness
medium
Acidity
low
  • Apple · high intensity — Cider is apple-based.
  • Acidic · medium intensity — Cider often has refreshing acidity.
  • Crisp · high intensity — Cider is commonly crisp and refreshing.
  • Sweet · low intensity — Cider can range from dry to sweet.

Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.

How it’s made

Method
Apple juice is fermented by yeast into cider; sweetness, carbonation and ageing vary by style.
Base materials
apples, apple juice, yeast
Fermentation
Apple juice fermentation
Ageing
May be served fresh or matured in tank, bottle or barrel depending producer.

Dietary

How Cider fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-Free
  • Not Keto
  • Not Low-Carb

Also known as

Cider (common_name)

Frequently asked questions

What is Cider?
Cider is fermented apple juice ranging from dry and crisp to sweet or tannic, with still, sparkling and oak-aged expressions.
What does Cider taste like?
Cider is often described as Apple, Acidic, Crisp, Sweet. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and brewery.
What foods pair with Cider?
Cider pairs well with Cheese, Cheese Board, Pork, Salads. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is Cider?
Cider typically has an ABV of 3–8.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 90–320. Strength and calorie content vary by producer and batch.
When should I enjoy Cider?
Cider suits casual social occasions, food pairings and sessions where you want a flavourful but approachable beer. The style profile makes it versatile across a range of settings.
What beers are similar to Cider?
If you enjoy Cider, explore other beer styles with a similar bitterness and body rating using the sensory bars as a guide. Styles with a matching profile score will feel closest in character.
What are some popular examples of Cider?
Many breweries produce Cider across different regions. Seek out local craft examples for fresh flavour, or look for well-reviewed commercial options widely available in bottle shops and pubs.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare beer styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find beers I like?
If you like hoppy beers look for High Bitterness. For smooth, easy-drinking beers choose Soft Bitterness and Light Body. Use the Beginner-Friendly rating to find beers that match your experience level.

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Style information is approximate and can vary by producer, region and recipe.