Does pear cider have alcohol?
Yes, pear cider usually has alcohol: like perry, it is a fermented drink. BJCP's perry styles run from about 4% to 9% ABV, and ice perry is stronger at about 9–12%. Always check the label for the ABV. In the US, any cider of 0.5% ABV or more must carry the government health warning.
Updated
Key facts
- Fermented. Perry is "the fermented juice of crushed pears". [1]
- Typical strength (BJCP). Common Perry 5–8% ABV, Heirloom Perry 4–9%, Ice Perry 9–12%, Experimental Perry 5–12%. BJCP calls these general guidelines, not absolutes. [1]
- UK duty limit. Cider, including perry, must be under 8.5% ABV to count as cider for duty. [2] [3]
- US labels. The government health warning is required on cider of 0.5% ABV or more. [4]
How strong is pear cider compared with apple cider?
| Drink (BJCP 2025) | ABV range |
|---|---|
| Common Perry | 5–8% [1] |
| Heirloom Perry | 4–9% [1] |
| Ice Perry | 9–12% [1] |
| Common Cider (apple) | 4.5–8% [5] |
So perry is broadly as strong as apple cider. Whether a "pear cider" is a true perry depends on the fruit and the country's labelling rules; see perry vs pear cider. Units depend on strength and volume: a 500 ml bottle at 5% ABV is 2.5 units by the NHS formula (ABV × ml ÷ 1,000). [6]
Related answers: perry vs pear cider · how many units are in cider
Find it on Cider Radar
- Glossary: perry · Guide: perry
- Herefordshire: 30 cider makers listed (as of 2026-10-02), several with perry in their name.
Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.
We don't give health advice. For questions about your health, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Questions
How can I tell if a pear cider contains alcohol?
Check the ABV on the label. In the US, the government health warning is required on cider of 0.5% ABV or more. [4]
Is strong pear cider still cider in the UK?
Not for duty. A cider or perry at 8.5% ABV or more is taxed as an "other fermented product". [3]
Sources
- 2025 Cider Style Guidelines: C4 Perry — BJCP
- Finance (No. 2) Act 2023, Schedule 6 (Alcohol Duty: definitions) — legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives)
- Alcoholic products technical guide: section 2, alcoholic products — HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)
- Cider FAQs — Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
- 2025 Cider Style Guidelines: C1 Traditional Cider — BJCP
- Calculating alcohol units — NHS