Beverage style guidelines are used with the permission of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). BJCP Style Guidelines Copyright © BJCP, Inc. The most current guidelines are available at www.bjcp.org.
Vital statistics
| Original gravity | 1.045 – 1.100 (11.2 – 23.8 °P) |
|---|---|
| Final gravity | 0.995 – 1.020 (-1.3 – 5.1 °P) |
| Alcohol | 5.0 – 12.0% ABV |
Overall impression
Catch-all for ciders with ingredients or processes that don’t fit other styles. Must remain recognizable as cider with pleasant, balanced experimental components.
Aroma
Cider character present and fitting with declared ingredients/process (e.g., spirit barrel) from subtle to balanced, short of dominating cider.
Appearance
Clear to brilliant per base; color typical for cider unless ingredients/process add color.
Flavor
Recognizable cider with integrated experimental elements; overall balance and drinkability are key.
Mouthfeel
Reflects base; may show tannic/astringent/bitter/heavier body traits depending on declared elements.
Comments
Examples include cider with honey (non-dominant), other sweeteners, both fruit and spices together, cider/beer hybrids, significant wood/spirit character, or ciders outside listed parameters. Must remain cider-like.
Characteristic ingredients
Any, provided cider remains perceptible; can exceed typical ranges (esp. if based on C2C/C2D).
Style comparison
Unlike other C3 styles, scope is open-ended but must keep a coherent cider base.
Entry instructions
Entrants MUST specify ingredients/processes that make it experimental, and MUST specify carbonation and sweetness levels. MAY specify a base style or detailed concept.
Commercial examples
Cidergeist Beezy, Domaine Dupont Cidre Reserve, Finnriver Fire Barrel, Snowdrift Cornice, Tandem Ciders Bee’s Dream, Uncle John’s Blossom Blend, Uncle John’s Sidra de Tepache