Ace Pumpkin Cider 6Pk

Ace Pumpkin Cider 6Pk is a 5.0% ABV seasonal hard cider from Sonoma County, California, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. Notably recognized as the first pumpkin cider produced in the United States, this expression from Ace Cider set the template for an entire seasonal subcategory that dozens of producers have since followed.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California  |  Seasonal Pumpkin Cider  |  Producer: Ace Cider (California Cider Company)

Production & Heritage

Ace Cider operates out of Sebastopol in the heart of Sonoma County's apple-growing region under the California Cider Company banner. The Pumpkin expression begins with a base of fermented apple juice, to which fresh pumpkin juices are introduced alongside cinnamon, cloves, and allspice — spices chosen to echo classic pumpkin pie flavors. The finished cider is cold-filtered four times, a process Ace applies across its lineup to achieve a clean, crisp texture without the heavy mouthfeel common in many flavored ciders.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm baking spices lead — cinnamon and allspice arrive first, followed by roasted pumpkin and a subtle undercurrent of tart apple. The overall impression is reminiscent of a freshly baked pumpkin pie cooling on a counter.

Taste: The entry is bright with crisp red apple acidity that quickly gives way to a rounded pumpkin sweetness at mid-palate. Cinnamon and allspice build through the middle, balanced by brown sugar-like warmth and a faint buttery quality. The pumpkin component tempers the sweetness, keeping the cider from veering into cloying territory.

Finish: Clean and crisp with a moderate length, the allspice resurfaces alongside a gentle ginger-like tingle. The quadruple cold filtration shows its hand here — no filmy residue, just a refreshingly dry close.

How to Drink Ace Pumpkin

Serve well chilled, straight from the bottle or poured into a pint glass to open up the spice aromatics. This cider also works surprisingly well in seasonal cocktails. A Pumpkin Cider Mule benefits from its existing ginger and spice notes paired with ginger beer and lime. A Harvest Shandy — half Ace Pumpkin, half wheat beer — creates a layered autumn drink with more body. For a dessert-leaning serve, use it in a Pumpkin Cider Mimosa topped with sparkling wine, where its baking spice character provides warmth against the effervescence.

Best For

• Autumn gatherings like Thanksgiving dinners and Halloween parties
• Introducing cider-curious beer drinkers to a seasonal alternative
• Pairing alongside fall dessert courses at a dinner party
• Bringing to a tailgate or bonfire as a gluten-free seasonal option

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ace Pumpkin taste like? Ace Pumpkin tastes like pumpkin pie built on an apple cider foundation — tart red apple upfront, followed by roasted pumpkin, cinnamon, allspice, and a touch of brown sugar sweetness. The finish is clean and crisp rather than heavy or syrupy.

How does Ace Pumpkin compare to pumpkin beers? Unlike pumpkin ales and stouts, Ace Pumpkin starts with a fermented apple base rather than a malt base, resulting in a lighter body and a crisper, more refreshing finish. The spice profile is similar — cinnamon, allspice, cloves — but the apple acidity provides a tartness that most pumpkin beers lack.

Is Ace Pumpkin good for beginners? At 5.0% ABV with approachable pumpkin pie flavors and a clean, lightly sweet profile, Ace Pumpkin is very accessible for those new to hard cider or looking for a seasonal drink that does not taste overtly alcoholic.

Where is Ace Pumpkin made? Ace Pumpkin Cider is produced by the California Cider Company in Sebastopol, a town in Sonoma County, California, long known for its apple orchards and ideal cider-producing climate.

What foods pair well with Ace Pumpkin? Roasted turkey and sage stuffing complement its baking spice notes. Sharp cheddar cheese contrasts its sweetness with a savory edge. Pumpkin pie or pecan pie echo its spice profile for a dessert pairing. Glazed pork chops benefit from the cider's acidity cutting through the richness. Butternut squash soup creates a harmonious seasonal match.

What sizes does Ace Pumpkin come in? Ace Pumpkin Cider is commonly available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles, the standard retail format for this seasonal release.

Is Ace Pumpkin worth the price? Ace Pumpkin positions as a moderately priced craft cider, competitive with other premium seasonal six-packs. Its distinction as America's first pumpkin cider and its quadruple cold-filtration process give it a quality edge within the seasonal cider category.

Why Ace Pumpkin?

Ace Pumpkin holds a legitimate claim as the original American pumpkin cider — the expression that launched an entire seasonal subcategory. The quadruple cold-filtration process delivers a noticeably cleaner texture than many competitors, avoiding the heavy, syrupy mouthfeel that plagues lesser pumpkin-flavored drinks. Produced in Sonoma County's prime apple country by a cidery with a long track record, this is a seasonal release grounded in real production credibility rather than marketing novelty. For drinkers who want autumn spice flavors without the heaviness of a pumpkin ale, Ace Pumpkin remains the benchmark.