Angry Orchard Crisp Imperial 6Pk Cans

Angry Orchard Crisp Imperial 6Pk Cans is a higher-strength hard cider at 8% ABV, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz cans, blended from twelve apple varieties. The Imperial designation signals a bolder, more robust take on the flagship Crisp Apple, delivering richer fruit intensity and greater depth than a standard-strength cider.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8%  |  Origin: Walden, New York, USA  |  Style: Imperial Hard Cider  |  Producer: Angry Orchard (Boston Beer Company)

Production & Heritage

Angry Orchard operates from its cider house and orchard near Walden, New York, in the Hudson Valley — one of the country's most established apple-growing regions. The brand is owned by Boston Beer Company, with additional production based in Cincinnati, Ohio. What distinguishes the Crisp Imperial from other expressions in the Angry Orchard lineup is the use of a blend of twelve different apple varieties, carefully selected to achieve a balance between juicy sweetness and dry, tart character. The higher 8% ABV allows more residual apple complexity to come through, giving it weight that lighter ciders lack.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet, fresh apple dominates the nose immediately, followed by subtle orchard-ripe fruit notes. The scent is bright and inviting without any cloying artificial sweetness.

Taste: The palate opens with bold, crisp apple sweetness that quickly moves into a more complex mid-palate of rich fruit character and bright acidity. There is a genuine juiciness here — the twelve-variety blend creates layered apple flavors that range from tart green apple to riper, sweeter notes. The balance between sweet and dry keeps each sip engaging rather than one-dimensional.

Finish: Medium in length with a slightly sour, lush quality that refreshes the palate. A clean, dry edge emerges at the very end, preventing the sweetness from lingering too heavily.

How to Drink Crisp Imperial

Serve well-chilled directly from the can or poured into a pint glass to appreciate its clear golden-amber color. This cider is highly drinkable on its own, but the elevated 8% ABV and fruit-forward character also make it a strong cocktail ingredient. A Cider Mule — substituting Crisp Imperial for beer in a traditional setup with ginger beer and lime — plays to its tart acidity. A Snakebite, layered with a dry stout, gains richness from the cider's apple sweetness and higher alcohol. A Cider Sangria built with sliced stone fruit and a splash of brandy lets the twelve-variety apple blend shine as a flavorful base.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and outdoor gatherings where a refreshing, higher-ABV option is welcome
• Craft cider enthusiasts looking for more intensity than a session-strength offering
• Introducing beer drinkers to premium hard cider with a familiar six-pack format
• Fall seasonal occasions — apple picking, harvest dinners, or tailgating

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Crisp Imperial taste like? Crisp Imperial delivers bold, bright apple flavor with a balance of juicy sweetness and sharp acidity, finishing with a slightly sour, clean edge. It is noticeably richer and more complex than standard-strength hard ciders.

How does Crisp Imperial compare to regular Angry Orchard Crisp Apple? The standard Crisp Apple sits at approximately 5% ABV with a lighter, more straightforward apple profile, while Crisp Imperial steps up to 8% ABV with deeper fruit complexity and a fuller body. The Imperial version uses the same twelve-variety apple blend but delivers more concentrated flavor and a drier finish.

Is Crisp Imperial good for sipping on its own? Yes — the bright acidity and balanced sweetness make it very drinkable chilled straight from the can, and the 8% ABV gives it enough body to feel satisfying without requiring a mixer.

Where is Crisp Imperial made? Angry Orchard is headquartered at its cider house near Walden, New York, in the Hudson Valley, with production also taking place in Cincinnati, Ohio. The brand is a subsidiary of Boston Beer Company.

What foods pair well with Crisp Imperial? Smoked pork ribs or pulled pork — the apple sweetness complements smoky, fatty meat. Sharp cheddar cheese — the acidity cuts through richness effectively. Roasted root vegetables — earthy flavors harmonize with the cider's fruit depth. Apple-glazed chicken — mirrors the orchard character. Cinnamon-spiced desserts like apple crumble — a natural seasonal pairing.

What sizes does Crisp Imperial come in? This expression is available as a six-pack of 12 oz cans, which is the standard retail format for the Crisp Imperial.

Is Crisp Imperial worth the price? Crisp Imperial positions as a step above entry-level hard ciders, justified by its higher 8% ABV, twelve-variety apple blend, and more complex flavor profile. For drinkers seeking more substance from a cider without moving into specialty or farmhouse pricing, it represents solid value in the premium segment.

Why Crisp Imperial?

The twelve-apple-variety blend is the defining feature here — most mass-market ciders rely on far fewer varieties, resulting in a flatter, more one-note flavor. That blend, combined with the 8% ABV, gives Crisp Imperial a layered character that bridges the gap between casual session ciders and artisan craft offerings. The six-pack format keeps it accessible and shareable, while the Imperial strength means fewer cans deliver more satisfaction. For anyone who finds standard ciders too thin or too sweet, this expression answers with genuine apple complexity and a dry, balanced finish.