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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Milea Estate The Jumper Hard Cider
92 points
$4
Best Buy
Milea Estate
The Jumper Hard Cider
Light emerald straw color. Yeasty aromas and flavors of apple yogurt, sourdough toast, pear skin, pie crust, and honeycomb wax candle with a supple, crisp, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity full body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long finish with accents of lemon and tangerine, green apple slaw, and starfruit. A nice, dryish earthy Cider packed with refreshment.
92 points $4 Best Buy
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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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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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Date Tasted:
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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Date Tasted:
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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Milea Estate Staatsburg Hard Cider
87 points
$10
Best Buy
Milea Estate
Staatsburg Hard Cider
Silvery straw color. Aromas of cinnamon raisin toast, apple butter, floral honey, and peaches with a supple, vibrant, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, charming, medium-length lemon-zested green apple, kumquat, and kiwi finish. A mouthwatering Cider with fine flavor and balance.
87 points $10 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
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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Date Tasted: