Blakes American Apple Imperial Cider 6Pk

Blake's American Apple Imperial Cider 6Pk is an 8% ABV imperial craft cider from Armada, Michigan, sold in a six-pack format. As the first imperial expression ever released by Blake's Hard Cider Co., it set the template for the cidery's higher-strength lineup, blending seven distinct apple varieties into a single, sessionable-yet-potent pour.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8%  |  Origin: Armada, Michigan, USA  |  Style: Imperial Cider  |  Producer: Blake's Hard Cider Co.

Production & Heritage

Blake's Hard Cider Co. operates out of Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill in Armada, Michigan, a family farm with deep roots in apple growing. American Apple uses a blend of Jonathon, Ida Red, Honey Crisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, and Cortland apples — a seven-variety mashup that layers sweetness against natural acidity. A wine yeast is introduced during fermentation instead of a traditional ale or champagne strain, producing a cleaner, crisper finish. The "imperial" designation borrows from brewing convention, where it signals roughly double the standard alcohol content; the extended fermentation required to reach 8% ABV concentrates apple character while drying out residual sugars.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh-pressed apple dominates the nose, with orchard-ripe sweetness giving way to faint tart undertones. A subtle hint of yeast-driven minerality lingers beneath the fruit.

Taste: The entry is smooth and mildly sweet, with Honey Crisp and Fuji softness leading the way. Mid-palate, the Granny Smith and Ida Red acidity emerges to provide structure, balancing the residual sweetness without turning sharp. The overall impression is clean and fruit-forward, with the elevated alcohol integrating rather than intruding.

Finish: Medium in length with a dry, crisp close courtesy of the wine yeast fermentation. A gentle apple-skin tartness persists, inviting the next sip.

How to Drink American Apple Imperial

Served cold — ideally around 40–45°F — this cider drinks well straight from the can or poured into a tulip glass to concentrate its apple aromatics. Its 8% ABV and balanced profile also make it a strong cocktail base. A Cider Mule (ginger beer, lime, and a splash of American Apple) amplifies the tartness with spice. A Cider Mimosa pairs it with orange juice for a brunch-ready alternative that carries more body than a standard cider. An Apple Sangria built on this imperial cider, sliced stone fruit, and a cinnamon stick takes advantage of the complex apple blend without requiring added wine.

Best For

• Backyard grilling sessions where a higher-ABV cider replaces a heavy craft beer
• Introducing beer drinkers to premium craft cider with familiar imperial strength
• Fall harvest gatherings or orchard-themed celebrations
• Building a Michigan craft cider tasting flight alongside other Blake's expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does American Apple Imperial taste like? It delivers a balanced blend of apple sweetness and crisp tartness, with a smooth mouthfeel and a clean, dry finish driven by wine yeast fermentation. The seven-apple blend keeps the flavor complex without leaning too sweet.

How does American Apple Imperial compare to Austin Eastciders Imperial Gold? Austin Eastciders Imperial Gold comes in slightly higher at 8.3% ABV and tends toward a drier, more tannic profile using bittersweet cider apples. Blake's American Apple leans sweeter and fruitier thanks to its dessert and culinary apple blend, making it more approachable for drinkers who prefer residual sweetness.

Is American Apple Imperial good for sipping on its own? Yes — the balance between fruit sweetness and dry finish makes it an easy standalone sipper despite its 8% ABV. Serving it well-chilled tempers the alcohol warmth and highlights apple freshness.

Where is American Apple Imperial made? It is produced by Blake's Hard Cider Co. in Armada, Michigan, a small town in Macomb County about 50 miles north of Detroit. The cidery operates alongside Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill, giving it direct access to locally grown apples.

What foods pair well with American Apple Imperial? Sharp cheddar cheese complements the cider's tartness with savory richness. Roasted pork loin mirrors the apple sweetness in a classic culinary pairing. Smoked sausage stands up to the imperial strength without being overwhelmed. Apple-glazed ribs create a flavor echo that deepens the fruit notes. A simple arugula salad with walnuts and balsamic provides a bitter, nutty contrast.

What sizes does American Apple Imperial come in? It is commonly available in a six-pack of 12 oz cans, the standard retail format for Blake's Hard Cider lineup.

Is American Apple Imperial worth the price? American Apple positions as a mid-range craft cider with imperial strength, offering more complexity and ABV than mass-market alternatives. For drinkers who want a step up from standard 5% ciders without venturing into specialty or barrel-aged territory, it sits in a sensible value tier.

Why American Apple Imperial?

This was the first imperial cider Blake's Hard Cider Co. ever produced, and it remains a benchmark for the style within their portfolio. The seven-apple blend — spanning tart Granny Smith to sweet Honey Crisp — gives it a layered fruit profile that single-varietal imperials rarely achieve. Wine yeast fermentation is a deliberate choice that separates it from the champagne-yeast dryness common in the category, delivering a cleaner finish that still preserves apple character. At 8% ABV, it occupies the sweet spot between easy-drinking session ciders and the more aggressive double-digit imperials, making it one of the more versatile craft ciders to come out of Michigan's cider scene.