Ace Apple Cider 6Pk

Ace Apple Cider 6-Pack is a gluten-free, no-sugar-added hard apple cider at 5% ABV, packaged in six 12-oz bottles from Sebastopol, California. As one of the first American cideries established after the end of Prohibition, Ace has earned over 120 awards since its 1993 founding, including a Gold Medal at the 2014 San Diego International Beer Festival.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California  |  Style: Traditional Dry Apple Cider  |  Cidery: Ace Cider (est. 1993)

Production & Heritage

Ace Cider was founded in 1993 in Sebastopol, a town in the heart of Sonoma County's historic apple-growing region, roughly an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The cider is fermented from 100% fresh-pressed juice using a blend of apple varieties including Gravenstein, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Rome, sourced primarily from the Pacific Northwest with supplemental fruit from local Sonoma County orchards when available. True to a traditional cidermaking philosophy, Ace adds no sugar and no artificial flavors, resulting in a clean, fruit-forward product that is also certified gluten-free and vegan.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh-cut apple dominates on the nose, followed by subtle orchard blossom and a faint green, herbaceous quality. The absence of added sugar allows the natural fruit aromatics to remain bright and unmasked.

Taste: The palate opens with crisp, tart apple reminiscent of biting into a perfectly ripe Granny Smith. Mid-palate, the tartness gives way to a gentle body of blended apple sweetness from the Fuji and Rome components. This is an exceptionally clean cider — the fruit character stays front and center without veering into cloying territory.

Finish: The finish is smooth and moderately dry, with a light, fleeting hint of cranberry-like tartness. Refreshing acidity lingers, encouraging another sip.

How to Drink Ace Apple Cider

Serve chilled straight from the bottle or poured into a tulip glass to open up the apple aromatics. This cider also works as a versatile cocktail ingredient.

• Cider Mule: Substitute Ace Apple for ginger beer alongside vodka and lime — the tartness complements the ginger spice without added sweetness.
• Apple Sangria: Use as the sparkling base with sliced stone fruit and a splash of brandy — the dry profile prevents the punch from becoming overly sugary.
• Snakebite: Layer half Ace Apple Cider with half lager for a classic British pub serve — the clean acidity cuts through the malt.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and warm-weather gatherings where a lighter alternative to beer is welcome
• Introducing friends to craft cider with a clean, approachable benchmark
• Pairing with autumn cheese boards and seasonal charcuterie spreads
• Stocking a gluten-free drinks selection for guests with dietary restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ace Apple Cider taste like? Ace Apple Cider delivers a prominent tart apple flavor, similar to a ripe Granny Smith, with a clean, moderately dry finish and no residual sweetness from added sugars.

How does Ace Apple Cider compare to Stella Artois Cidre? Both are dry-leaning ciders, but Stella Artois Cidre sits at 4.5% ABV with a European style and slightly softer fruit character, while Ace Apple comes in at 5% ABV with a sharper, more tart apple profile and no added sugar.

Is Ace Apple Cider good for cider beginners? Its clean, straightforward apple flavor and balanced tartness make it an accessible starting point for anyone new to craft cider, without the complexity that might overwhelm an unfamiliar palate.

Where is Ace Apple Cider made? Ace Apple Cider is produced by Ace Cider in Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California, using apples primarily sourced from the Pacific Northwest along with local Sonoma County orchards when available.

What foods pair well with Ace Apple Cider? Sharp cheddar cheese brings out the apple tartness; roast pork complements the fruit sweetness; grilled chicken with herb seasoning echoes the cider's clean, green notes; smoked salmon contrasts pleasantly with the acidity; and apple-based desserts like a tarte Tatin create a harmonious flavor bridge.

What sizes does Ace Apple Cider come in? The standard retail format is a 6-pack of 12-oz bottles, and Ace Cider products are also commonly available in individual bottles and larger draft formats at select venues.

Is Ace Apple Cider worth the price? Ace Apple Cider positions as an accessible, everyday craft cider — priced competitively within the premium domestic cider tier and backed by over 120 industry awards, it represents strong value for a no-sugar-added, gluten-free product.

Why Ace Apple Cider?

Ace Cider holds a meaningful place in American cider history as one of the first cideries to open after Prohibition, and its apple cider reflects three decades of focused production experience. The commitment to 100% fresh-pressed juice with no added sugar or artificial flavors sets it apart from many mass-market competitors that rely on concentrate or sweeteners. Multiple Gold Medal wins and recognition as an Impact Hot Brand from 2011 through 2015 validate the consistency of what is in the bottle. For drinkers seeking a clean, tart, genuinely fruit-driven cider at a sessionable 5% ABV, Ace remains one of the category's most reliable choices.