Ciderboys First Press 6Pk

Ciderboys First Press 6Pk is a 5.0% ABV hard apple cider from Stevens Point Brewery in Wisconsin, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. Rated 93/100 by Craft Beer & Brewing, this flagship expression stands out for its use of special hard-cider yeast imported from France, producing a clean, crisp profile that balances natural sweetness with structured apple character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Stevens Point, Wisconsin  |  Style: Traditional Hard Apple Cider  |  Producer: Stevens Point Brewery

Production & Heritage

Stevens Point Brewery, one of Wisconsin's longest-operating breweries, produces Ciderboys First Press using apples sourced from Washington State. Each batch is fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks over an approximately two-week cycle, using a specialized hard-cider yeast imported from France — a nod to the country's centuries-old cider-making tradition. The controlled fermentation and quality of the French yeast are central to what gives First Press its signature crispness and smooth drinkability, distinguishing it from mass-market ciders that rely on concentrate-forward profiles.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh-pressed apple dominates the nose, followed by a subtle honey-like sweetness and a faint floral quality. The overall impression is bright and orchard-fresh, with no harsh fermentation aromas.

Taste: The entry is crisp and tart, immediately presenting structured apple flavor rather than generic sweetness. Mid-palate, a natural honey-like quality emerges, reminiscent of sparkling apple cider. A tame acidity and slight dryness arrive toward the finish, balancing the residual sweetness and keeping each sip refreshing.

Finish: Clean and moderately short, with lingering apple skin tartness and a dry edge that invites the next sip. There is no cloying sweetness or artificial aftertaste.

How to Drink First Press

First Press is best enjoyed well chilled, poured into a pint glass or tulip to release the apple aromatics. It drinks effortlessly straight from the bottle on warm days. For cocktail use, try it in a Cider Mule — swapping beer for First Press adds genuine apple depth alongside ginger beer and lime. A Cider Mimosa works well at brunch, combining First Press with a splash of orange juice for a lighter alternative to champagne. A Cider Shandy, mixing equal parts First Press and lemonade, makes a refreshing low-ABV warm-weather drink.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and summer cookouts where a sessionable, crowd-friendly option is needed
• Introducing beer drinkers to the hard cider category with a well-balanced entry point
• Stocking a tailgate cooler with a lower-ABV alternative to craft beer
• Hosting a cider tasting alongside fruit-forward Ciderboys variants like Peach County and Mad Bark

Frequently Asked Questions

What does First Press taste like? Ciderboys First Press delivers crisp, tart apple flavor balanced by mild natural sweetness and a touch of honey-like character, finishing clean and slightly dry rather than sugary.

How does First Press compare to Angry Orchard Crisp Apple? First Press uses French-imported hard-cider yeast and Washington State apples, resulting in a more structured apple flavor and drier finish than many mainstream ciders. Angry Orchard Crisp Apple, as the category's top seller, tends to lean sweeter and more approachable, while First Press offers a bit more tartness and complexity.

Is First Press good for beginners? Yes — its 5.0% ABV, smooth body, and balanced sweetness make it an accessible starting point for anyone new to hard cider or transitioning from beer.

Where is First Press made? First Press is produced by Stevens Point Brewery in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, using apples sourced from Washington State orchards and yeast imported from France.

What foods pair well with First Press? Grilled pork chops or bratwurst complement the cider's apple sweetness. Sharp cheddar cheese mirrors its tartness. Roasted chicken with herb seasoning echoes the clean, crisp profile. Apple-based desserts like tarte tatin create a harmonious echo, and spicy Thai dishes benefit from the cider's cooling sweetness.

What sizes does First Press come in? Ciderboys First Press is commonly available in 6-packs of 12 oz bottles, which is the standard retail format for the brand.

Is First Press worth the price? First Press positions as a solidly mid-range craft cider, priced competitively with other regional craft cider brands while delivering a more refined fermentation profile than most budget-tier national brands.

Why First Press?

The use of French-imported hard-cider yeast is not a marketing gimmick — it directly shapes the fermentation character, producing a cleaner, more structured apple flavor than standard ale yeasts commonly used in mass-produced ciders. The 93/100 score from Craft Beer & Brewing validates that quality, placing First Press among the higher-rated widely available hard ciders in the United States. Backed by Stevens Point Brewery's long heritage in Wisconsin brewing, this is a cider built on genuine production craft rather than flavoring shortcuts. For drinkers who want real apple character without excessive sweetness, First Press remains one of the most reliable options in the category.