Which license type has a cider-only license?

Some US states issue a cider-specific manufacturer or farm-cidery license separate from full winery or brewery permits; others fold cider into wine licenses. There is no single nationwide “cider-only” licence — federal TTB tax class is not a state retail licence. Always check the state alcohol board for the exact permit name.

Updated 2026-10-05

Key facts

State matter. Licence names differ by US state alcohol board.
Federal vs state. TTB hard-cider tax class ≠ a state manufacturing licence. [1]
Example. Michigan’s statutes define cider and link it to wine licensing categories. [2] [3]

How do cider-only licences show up?

Farm-cidery or cider-manufacturer permits exist in some states; elsewhere cider is produced under wine licences. Read the state code rather than assuming a national cider-only card. Federal class: TTB rules for hard ciders. Michigan visit context: choose a cidery in Michigan.

How should a traveller use this?

Licence type rarely changes how a tasting room pours, but it explains why some US farms are licensed as wineries that happen to make cider. Federal tax class background: TTB rules for hard ciders. Map of makers: where cider is made in the US. Glossary: hard cider.

Related answers: TTB rules for hard ciders · choose a cidery in Michigan

Related on Cider Radar

Where cider is made in the US
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

Does Michigan have a cider definition for licensing?

Michigan defines cider in MCL 436.1303(14)(a) and treats cider with wine for some licensing counts under MCL 436.1113(9). [2] [3]