Ace Perry Cider 6Pk

Ace Perry Cider 6-Pack is a semi-sweet pear cider from Sonoma County, California, at 5.0% ABV, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. First released in 1996, it holds the distinction of being the first perry cider produced in California and earned a Gold Medal at the 2012 Great International Beer & Cider Competition in Rhode Island.

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

Production & Heritage

ACE Cider has operated out of Sebastopol in Sonoma County since 1993, a region long associated with apple orchards and craft fermentation. The Perry expression starts with a base of 100% pure, locally sourced apple juice that undergoes a full fermentation. Fresh pear juice and Madagascar vanilla are then added post-fermentation — the vanilla contributes to the cider's notably smooth mouthfeel rather than acting as a dominant flavor. This post-fermentation blending technique allows the pear character to remain bright and intact, distinguishing Ace Perry from ciders where fruit is fermented directly.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe pear dominates the nose immediately, followed by subtle hints of white grape and a whisper of vanilla sweetness. The overall impression is fresh and orchard-driven.

Taste: The entry is clean and lightly sweet, with juicy pear flavor meeting crisp apple acidity at the mid-palate. Touches of passion fruit and a gentle vanilla roundness emerge as the sip develops, though the sweetness stays balanced — bright acidity prevents it from becoming cloying.

Finish: The finish is notably dry for a semi-sweet cider, pulling back with a tart, clean close. A faint pear echo lingers briefly before the palate resets.

How to Drink Ace Perry

Serve well chilled, straight from the bottle or poured into a pint glass to open up the pear aromatics. Ace Perry also works as a versatile cocktail ingredient. In a Pear Shandy, mix it half-and-half with a light wheat beer for an easy summer drink. Try it in a Perry Mule — combine with ginger beer and a lime squeeze, where the vanilla undertone rounds out the ginger's heat. It also substitutes well in a French 75 riff, replacing sparkling wine with the cider for a fruit-forward, lower-ABV take on the classic.

Best For

• Introducing cider-curious friends to perry-style ciders
• Warm-weather cookouts and backyard gatherings
• Pairing alongside a weekend brunch spread
• Building a tasting flight of California craft ciders

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ace Perry taste like? Ace Perry delivers bright pear and apple flavors in a semi-sweet profile, with a smooth mouthfeel from Madagascar vanilla and a surprisingly dry, tart finish.

How does Ace Perry compare to Woodchuck Pear Cider? Both are pear-forward hard ciders, but Ace Perry is built on a 100% apple juice base with pear added post-fermentation, while Woodchuck tends to lean sweeter overall. Ace Perry's use of Madagascar vanilla also gives it a distinctly smoother texture that sets it apart.

Is Ace Perry good for cider beginners? Yes — its semi-sweet profile and approachable 5.0% ABV make it an accessible entry point, while the balanced acidity and dry finish give it enough complexity to keep experienced drinkers interested.

Where is Ace Perry made? Ace Perry is produced by ACE Cider in Sebastopol, located in Sonoma County, California. The region's apple orchards provide the locally sourced juice used as the cider's base.

What foods pair well with Ace Perry? Soft, creamy cheeses like brie or camembert complement the pear sweetness. Grilled pork chops work well, as the acidity cuts through the fat. Fresh arugula salads with goat cheese mirror the cider's tartness. Fruit tarts or vanilla-forward desserts echo the Madagascar vanilla notes. Mildly spiced Thai dishes benefit from the cider's cooling sweetness.

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.

Is Ace Perry worth the price? Ace Perry positions as a craft cider at an accessible price tier, competing with other premium six-pack ciders. The use of 100% local apple juice, real pear juice, and Madagascar vanilla represents genuine ingredient quality that justifies its standing above mass-market alternatives.

Why Ace Perry?

Ace Perry holds a genuine claim that no other California cider can make — it was the first perry cider ever produced in the state, dating back to 1996. Its Gold Medal win at the 2012 Great International Beer & Cider Competition validates what consistent community ratings above average have long suggested: this is a well-made, balanced pear cider. The post-fermentation addition of real pear juice and Madagascar vanilla is a deliberate production choice, not a gimmick, resulting in a texture and flavor profile that stands apart from competitors fermenting pear concentrate. For anyone looking for a California-made perry with genuine provenance and proven quality, Ace Perry remains the benchmark.