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)