Top 8 Hard Ciders to Drink

Drinking a hard cider from Samuel Smith is like sipping history. Brewed at Yorkshire’s oldest brewery, established in 1758, Samuel Smith Cider Reserve is made with two varieties of apples for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. It’s a perfect choice for warming up at your favorite pub.

Manufacturer: Samuel Smith  Country of Origin: United Kingdom Year: 1758 ABV: 5.25%

Fall beverages don’t always have to be stouts and porters. Strongbow ciders are soft and refreshing, a great choice for when you want full fall flavor in a lighter beverage. Available in gold, dark fruit, red berries, rose and white varieties, Strongbow is an alternative to beer when you’re enjoying your favorite activities, day or night.

Manufacturer: Strongbow Country of Origin: United Kingdom Year: 1960 ABV: 4.5%

Hard ciders with attitude, Angry Orchard puts its unique twist on cider beers by offering options such as Hard Core Dark Cherry Apple with an ABV of 8% and Tropical Fruit Cider. Fruit-forward, Angry Orchard ciders are crisp, not too sweet, and enjoyable day or night. Add these ciders to your cooler for a potent beer alternative.

Manufacturer: Angry Orchard Country of Origin: United States Year: 2012 ABV: 5% to 8%

This California-brewed cider has “crisp” in its name, and it lives up to it. Naturally fermented from raw, unpasteurized juice of freshly pressed American apples and pears, Crispin includes flavors such as Brut, Pacific Pear, Rose, and Blackberry Pear as well as its original hard cider. Try one or try them all – you'll enjoy pouring any Crispin selection into your pint glass.

Manufacturer: Molson Coors Country of Origin: United States Year: 2008 ABV: 5%

Not everyone enjoys beer. For those who aren’t beer drinkers, Woodchuck Amber is a great alternative for a night out or an evening in. Woodchuck has a passion for hard cider, brewing varieties including tart Granny Smith, Pearsecco, Sangria, Pear, Rose, and Mimosa. Try one with brunch or as a nightcap on a fall evening.

Manufacturer: Vermont Cider Company Country of Origin: United States Year: 1991 ABV: 5%

Inspired by harvests of sweet berries, Blake’s Triple Jam has a sweet, bold fruit flavor with notes of strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Blake’s Hard Cider Company makes other fruity concoctions including El Chavo, a mango and habanero pepper cider, Peach Party, and Flannelmouth Classic, a must for your fall cooler.

Manufacturer: Blake’s Hard Cider Company Country of Origin: United States Year: 1946 ABV: 6.5%

Delightfully dry, Stella Artois Cidre gives a European twist to hard cider. Brewed with natural ingredients, Cidre is light and crisp. If you plan to serve Stella Artois Lager at your next gathering, add a six-pack of Cidre for an alternative to beer. With a 600-year heritage in Belgium, Stella Artois beverages are now brewed in St. Louis, Missouri.

Manufacturer: Anheuser-Busch Country of Origin: United States  Year: 2013 ABV: 4.5%

With its start in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, Smith & Forge is now brewed in the United States. It keeps its hard cider traditions alive, brewing this delicious beverage with apples. Since hard cider brewed with apples is naturally gluten-free, hard cider is a great option for those with celiac disease or anyone avoiding gluten.

Manufacturer: Smith & Forge   Country of Origin: United States   Year: 2014   ABV: 6%