Schilling Excelsior Berry Massive 6Pk

Schilling Excelsior Berry Massive 6Pk is a semi-sweet, high-strength berry cider at 8.4% ABV, sold as a six-pack of cans from Washington State. It stands apart in the craft cider landscape thanks to its bold blueberry-and-blackberry profile built on a backbone of 100% fresh-pressed Pacific Northwest and European heirloom apples.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.4%  |  Origin: Washington State, USA  |  Style: Berry Cider  |  Producer: Schilling Cider

Production & Heritage

Schilling Cider is a Washington State producer known for its space-themed lineup and commitment to fresh-pressed apple juice rather than concentrate or added sugar. The Excelsior Berry Massive is fermented using hand-selected yeast strains in a "low and slow" process at cooler temperatures over an extended period, a technique designed to preserve fruit aromatics and develop complexity. The base blend marries locally sourced Pacific Northwest apples with European heirloom bittersharp varieties, yielding a naturally higher ABV without relying on sugar additions — a defining characteristic of the Excelsior range.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh blueberry and blackberry lead, layered over tart apple skin and a subtle floral lift. The heirloom apple base provides an earthy, slightly tannic undertone beneath the berry sweetness.

Taste: The entry is bright with ripe blueberry and juicy blackberry, transitioning quickly into a balanced mid-palate where the bittersharp apple character emerges. Semi-sweet but not cloying, the fruit sugars are tempered by a natural acidity that keeps the palate engaged. At 8.4% ABV, there is a noticeable warmth that adds weight without becoming boozy.

Finish: Medium in length, with lingering mixed-berry sweetness and a dry, slightly tannic close from the heirloom apple blend. A clean acidity refreshes the palate and invites the next sip.

How to Drink Berry Massive

Serve chilled straight from the can or poured into a wide-mouthed glass to open up the berry aromatics. The higher ABV and semi-sweet profile also make it a surprisingly versatile mixer. A Berry Cider Spritz — topped with sparkling water and a lemon twist — keeps the fruit flavors bright while taming the alcohol. A Blackberry Mule substituting Berry Massive for beer or vodka adds depth and natural berry character alongside ginger beer and lime. For a dessert-leaning drink, try it in a Cider Float poured over vanilla ice cream, where the tannic apple base cuts through the richness.

Best For

• Summer cookouts and outdoor gatherings where a higher-ABV alternative to beer is welcome
• Introducing wine or beer drinkers to the craft cider category through an approachable berry profile
• Game-day drinking sessions where flavor and strength need to coexist
• Sharing among friends who prefer fruit-forward drinks without excessive sweetness

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Berry Massive taste like? Berry Massive delivers a pronounced blueberry-and-blackberry flavor balanced by tart, tannic heirloom apple character, finishing semi-sweet with a dry, refreshing close. At 8.4% ABV, it carries noticeable warmth without tasting hot or overly boozy.

How does Berry Massive compare to mainstream berry ciders? Most widely available berry ciders sit in the 4.5–6% ABV range and rely heavily on sweetness; Berry Massive nearly doubles that strength while using fresh-pressed heirloom apples and no added sugar, resulting in a drier, more complex drink. The bittersharp apple component gives it a tannic structure rarely found in mass-market fruit ciders.

Is Berry Massive good for sipping on its own? Yes — the semi-sweet berry profile and balanced acidity make it easy to enjoy straight from the can or poured cold into a glass, especially for drinkers who enjoy fruit-forward beverages with some backbone.

Where is Berry Massive made? Berry Massive is produced by Schilling Cider in Washington State, USA. The apples are sourced from Pacific Northwest orchards and supplemented with European heirloom bittersharp varieties to build flavor complexity and natural alcohol content.

What foods pair well with Berry Massive? Grilled pork chops benefit from the berry sweetness cutting through fat and char. Sharp cheddar or aged gouda echo the tannic apple base. Mixed-green salads with goat cheese and berry vinaigrette create a natural flavor bridge. Smoked brisket pairs well as the acidity refreshes the palate between bites. Dark chocolate desserts complement the blueberry and blackberry notes without overwhelming them.

What sizes does Berry Massive come in? The Schilling Excelsior Berry Massive is commonly available as a six-pack of cans, the standard retail format for the Excelsior lineup.

Is Berry Massive worth the price? Berry Massive positions as a premium craft cider within the six-pack format, justified by its 100% fresh-pressed apple base, heirloom European apple sourcing, and substantially higher ABV than most competitors in the berry cider segment.

Why Berry Massive?

What sets Berry Massive apart is Schilling's refusal to shortcut the process: no added sugar, no concentrate, and a slow, cool fermentation that preserves the integrity of the fruit. The result is a berry cider that actually tastes like real blueberries and blackberries rather than artificial flavoring on a neutral base. The heirloom bittersharp apple blend provides a tannic framework more commonly associated with European farmhouse ciders, giving this drink a structural depth that most fruit ciders simply lack. For anyone looking for a high-ABV, fruit-forward cider that still respects the craft, Berry Massive is one of the more compelling options on the shelf.