About Common Cider

About Common Cider
Common ciders range in alcohol from 4-8% and typically feature dominant apple aromas and flavors. Most are not dry, but also not cloying, with a sweet, medium body and acidity. This style is what the majority of consumers associate with hard cider. The descriptor 'common' is in reference to the types of apples used to produce these ciders, rather than in reference to its quality of ready availability. Common ciders are produced from culinary table apples, typically including varietals such as Golden Delicious, Jonathan and Macintosh to name a few.

Top Picks for Common Cider

Northern Natural Northern Star
94 points
Northern Natural
Northern Star
Minutely hazy yellow straw color. Aromas of candied pineapple, tropical fruit custard, ripe cantaloupe, flint, and white strawberry with a velvety, vibrant, dry light-to-medium body and a complex, long celery, lemon spritz, biscuit, and honey finish. A vinous dry cider with great structure and endless gullibility; drink this.
94 points
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Wicked Grove Crisp Apple Hard Cider
90 points
$6.99
Best Buy
Wicked Grove
Crisp Apple Hard Cider
Brilliant straw green color. Fruity aromas and flavors of spicy poached apple with caramel, hard apple candy, and apple soda with a supple, tangy, effervescent, fruity medium body and an amusing, medium-length finish that exhibits suggestions of dried peach and candied citrus peels. A mouthwatering, fruity Cider for carefree sipping.
90 points $6.99 Best Buy
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Kaneb Orchards St. Lawrence Cider
90 points
Kaneb Orchards
St. Lawrence Cider
White gold color. Creamy aromas of honey-nougat, candied lemon peel, honeydew, dill flower, and baked apple with a velvety, crisp, spritzy, moderately sweet medium body and a tingling, medium-length toasted oat and apple compote on vanilla yogurt finish. A plush and velvety cider with a toasty-sweet charm.
90 points
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Number 12 Fred Modern Dry Cider
89 points
Number 12
Fred Modern Dry Cider
Light gold color. Aromas and flavors of apple fritter, fresh croissant with brie, tangerine zest, dandelion, chrysanthemum, and Vienna cream with a satiny, vibrant, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity light body and a warming, layered, medium-long finish with nuances of cashew brittle, oat cereal, and quince finish. A food-friendly cider with an authentic, traditional vibe.
89 points
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Number 12 Empire Modern Dry Cider
89 points
Number 12
Empire Modern Dry Cider
Bright golden straw color. Aromas and flavors of Turkish delight with apple, oat cereal, and apple blossom with a silky, vibrant, spritzy, dryish light body and a sleek, engaging, medium-length finish that presents shades of lemon spritz, caramel, reduced tangerine, and pickled apple finish. A crisp and refreshing cider with an all-natural appeal; highly pairable.
89 points
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Two K Farms New World Common Cider
88 points
$14
Best Buy
Two K Farms
New World Common Cider
Silvery emerald straw color. Aromas and flavors of Cheerios in cream, green apple, pressed flowers, and ripe melon with a supple, tangy, effervescent, dry light body and a polished, brisk finish evoking notes of sour peach. A bright and refreshing Cider for the warmer months.
88 points $14 Best Buy
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Brewery Ommegang Project Cider Dry
88 points
Brewery Ommegang
Project Cider Dry
Light gold color. Aromas and flavors of farm-fresh apples, oat cakes, candied banana, caramel creme, and carnation with a satiny, racy, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a seamless, intriguing, medium-length finish that shows suggestions of underripe apricot finish. A lightly tannic, dry cider with a great pop of acidity; a good cider to pair with the meal.
88 points
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Angry Orchard Green Apple Hard Cider
88 points
Angry Orchard
Green Apple Hard Cider
Yellow straw color. Attractive aromas and flavors of apple candies and pineapple coulis with a satiny, crisp, spritzy, fruity sweet light-to-medium body and a seamless, easy finish imparting notes of orange slushie and lemon drop finish. A sweet and friendly cider with pure fruit flavors.
88 points
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Wards Cider Pickers Hut Premium Cider
87 points
Wards Cider
Picker's Hut Premium Cider
Yellow straw color. Aromas of cantaloupe, honeydew, Asian pear, and banana flower with a silky, crisp, spritzy, fruity sweet light body and a seamless, engaging, medium-length melon rind finish. A interesting, nuanced modern cider with just a hint of sweetness and contemporary style.
87 points
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Kaneb Orchards Raquette River Sparkling Cider
87 points
Kaneb Orchards
Raquette River Sparkling Cider
Silvery straw color. Aromas of summer hay and fresh apple with a satiny, vibrant, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, compelling, medium-length white grapefruit spritz, underripe plum, apple blossom, and honey finish. A crisp, delicate and highly pairable cider with an all-natural appeal.
87 points
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