Ace Perry Cider 6Pk

Ace Perry Cider 6Pk is a 5.0% ABV semi-sweet pear cider sold in six-packs of 12 oz bottles, produced by ACE Cider in Sebastopol, California. This expression earned 93 points and a Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute in 2011 — the highest score awarded to any cider in that year's Chicago Cider Tasting — and holds multiple additional gold medals from national competitions.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California  |  Style: Perry (Pear) Cider  |  Producer: ACE Cider (est. 1993)

Production & Heritage

ACE Cider has been making craft cider in Sebastopol — the heart of Sonoma County's apple country — since 1993. Ace Perry, first released in 1996, was the first perry-style cider ever produced in California. The base is 100% apple-derived cider that undergoes full fermentation; fresh pear juice and Madagascar vanilla are then added post-fermentation to build the pear character and a distinctive silky mouthfeel. All alcohol comes entirely from apples, and the cider is gluten-free with no added sugar and no artificial ingredients.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh ripe pear leads, followed by a gentle wave of vanilla and a subtle white grape quality. The nose is clean, bright, and inviting without any cloying sweetness.

Taste: The entry is crisp and lightly sweet, with unmistakable pear juice flavor front and center. At mid-palate, the Madagascar vanilla rounds out the texture, adding a smooth, almost creamy quality. Hints of passion fruit and green apple tartness keep the sweetness in check, creating a balanced, thirst-quenching drink.

Finish: Medium in length with a dry, clean close that pulls back from the initial sweetness. A crisp pear-flavored aftertaste lingers alongside gentle acidity, making each sip feel refreshing rather than heavy.

How to Drink Ace Perry

Serve well chilled, straight from the bottle or poured over ice on a warm day. Ace Perry also works as a versatile base in lighter cocktails.

• Pear Mule: Swap standard ginger beer for Ace Perry in a Moscow Mule — the pear and vanilla complement fresh lime and ginger beautifully.
• Perry Mimosa: Use Ace Perry in place of sparkling wine for a brunch mimosa with orange juice; the fruit-forward sweetness adds depth without heaviness.
• Cider Sangria: Combine with sliced pears, apples, and a splash of brandy for a cider-based sangria that highlights the natural fruit character.

Best For

• Introducing craft cider to friends who usually drink beer or seltzer
• Backyard barbecues and outdoor gatherings where a light, refreshing option is needed
• Gluten-free drinkers seeking a naturally gluten-free alternative to beer
• Pairing with lighter seasonal dishes and cheese boards

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ace Perry taste like? Ace Perry delivers a semi-sweet pear flavor with a smooth, vanilla-touched mouthfeel and a dry, crisp finish. It balances tartness and sweetness without tasting sugary or artificial.

How does Ace Perry compare to Angry Orchard Crisp Apple? Ace Perry is a craft pear cider made with real pear juice and Madagascar vanilla, while Angry Orchard Crisp Apple is a mass-market apple cider with a sweeter, more straightforward apple profile. Ace Perry tends to finish drier and has a more complex flavor structure thanks to the post-fermentation pear and vanilla additions.

Is Ace Perry good for beginners? Ace Perry is an excellent entry point into craft cider — its approachable pear sweetness and smooth vanilla undertone make it easy to enjoy without overwhelming new cider drinkers.

Where is Ace Perry made? Ace Perry is produced by ACE Cider in Sebastopol, located in Sonoma County, California. The cidery has operated in this apple-growing region since 1993.

What foods pair well with Ace Perry? Mild soft cheeses like brie or camembert complement the vanilla and pear notes. Grilled chicken or pork benefit from the cider's acidity and fruit character. A fresh arugula and pear salad echoes the drink's core flavor, while lighter desserts such as vanilla panna cotta or apple tart mirror the cider's sweetness without clashing.

What sizes does Ace Perry come in? Ace Perry is commonly available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles, which is the standard retail format for this expression.

Is Ace Perry worth the price? Ace Perry positions as a mid-range craft cider — more affordable than single-serve artisanal small-batch perries but distinctly higher in quality and complexity than mass-market cider brands, making it strong value for its category.

Why Ace Perry?

Ace Perry holds a genuine claim to history as the first perry cider produced in California, dating back to 1996. The use of real pear juice and Madagascar vanilla — both added after fermentation — creates a layered drinking experience that separates it from competitors relying on artificial flavoring. Its 93-point score and Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute, the highest mark given to any cider in that evaluation, validates the quality in the bottle. For a sessionable 5.0% ABV cider that's gluten-free and free from added sugar, Ace Perry occupies a rare space: genuinely flavorful, historically significant, and broadly drinkable.