Heirloom Perry (BJCP C4B)

Perry · BJCP style C4B

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 gravity1.050 – 1.070 (12.4 – 17.1 °P)
Final gravity1.000 – 1.020 (-0.0 – 5.1 °P)
Alcohol4.0 – 9.0% ABV

Overall impression

Tannic and somewhat fruity, fuller body. English examples tend to be drier than French; carbonation may be higher.

Aroma

Noticeable fermented pear character, subtle to quite fruity; more complex than Common Perry and not strongly table-pear-like. Slight tannic bitterness possible.

Appearance

Slightly cloudy to clear. Straw to gold. Still to sparkling; most no more than medium carbonation.

Flavor

Balanced acidity (not sharp) with typically more tannin than acidity. Sorbitol may contribute perceived sweetness. Not mousy, ropy, or oily; very low natural acetification possible.

Mouthfeel

Relatively full body. Moderate to high tannin as astringency. Sorbitol can lend smooth/slick texture; should not seem syrupy.

Comments

More tannin-forward and complex than Common Perry; may show some bitterness. Perceived sweetness may be from sorbitol even when dry.

Characteristic ingredients

‘Perry pears’ grown specifically for perry (e.g., Butt, Gin, Brandy, Barland, Blakeney Red, Thorn, Moorcroft).

Style comparison

Compared to Common Perry: more tannin/complexity, potentially some bitterness, less table-pear character.

Entry instructions

Entrants MUST specify carbonation and sweetness levels.

Commercial examples

Æppeltreow Orchard Oriole Perry, Burrow Hill Perry, Christian Drouin Poiré, Dragon’s Head Sparkling Perry, Eric Bordelet Poiré Authentique, EZ Orchards Poire, Hogan’s Classic Perry (UK), Oliver’s Classic Perry

Design recipes against the BJCP style ranges and track every batch. Foambyte is free to start.

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