Dry to Sweet
The amount of perceived sweetness is one of the clearest differences between cider styles and has a major effect on how the cider tastes.
Brewtique Cider Guide
Cider Styles Explained
Dry, medium, sweet or fruit cider? Discover how the main cider styles differ, what they taste like and how to find the style that suits you.
What are the different styles of cider?
Cider can range from crisp and dry to rich and sweet, with fruit ciders adding another broad range of flavours. The style gives you a useful indication of what to expect before you open the bottle.
Sweetness, apple character, acidity, tannin and added fruit all influence how a cider tastes. Understanding those differences makes it much easier to find the styles you enjoy.
The quick answer
Dry ciders contain less perceived sweetness, medium styles balance sweetness and acidity, sweeter ciders have a softer and richer character, while fruit ciders combine cider with additional fruit flavours.
What Changes the Taste?
What makes one cider different from another?
Several elements work together to create the character of a cider.
Fresh to Rich
Different apples and production methods can create flavours ranging from bright, fresh apple to deeper, richer and more tannic character.
Classic to Flavoured
Fruit ciders introduce additional flavours alongside the cider base, creating styles that can be light, refreshing, rich or intensely fruity.
Explore cider styles in more detail
This section will bring together Brewtique's permanent guides to individual cider styles, helping you understand what each style tastes like and which ones you may enjoy.