What is imperial fruited cider?
Imperial fruited cider is a loose craft label for stronger-than-everyday ciders built with conspicuous fruit besides apple — often well above common session strengths. It is not a single legal class. Expect richer body, clearer fruit aroma and a higher ABV statement on the label than a standard fruited cider.
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Key facts
- Loose term. “Imperial” signals higher strength and intensity, not a protected appellation.
- Fruit. Non-apple fruit is central to the flavour pitch. fruit cider.
- ABV. Read the label — strengths vary widely across craft releases.
Guide: types of cider. Strength bands: alcohol content of cider.
How does it differ from ordinary fruited cider?
More alcohol and often more residual sweetness or body — still an apple ferment at heart. Shopping: where to buy fruited cider. Hopped cousins: styles of IPA cider.
Is it a BJCP category name?
Specialty fruit cider appears in BJCP specialty paths; “imperial fruited” is marketing language on top. [1] Glossary: fruit cider.
Find it on Cider Radar
- Shops · festivals · makers
- Guide: types of cider
- You can order directly from the maker in Cider Radar (iOS, Android and web).
- Open the map: app.ciderradar.com · iPhone · Android
Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.
Questions
Is “imperial” regulated for cider?
No universal cider rule — makers use it descriptively for strength and intensity, unlike some beer style contests.