Schilling Excelsior Imperial Blackberry Cider 6Pk

Schilling Excelsior Imperial Blackberry Cider 6Pk is a high-strength imperial blackberry cider from Washington State, packaged as a 6-pack of 12oz cans at 8.4% ABV. The Excelsior line represents Schilling's imperial-tier ciders, where bigger alcohol and bolder fruit intensity distinguish these releases from standard-strength offerings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.4%  |  Origin: Washington, USA  |  Style: Imperial Fruit Cider  |  Producer: Schilling Cider

Production & Heritage

Schilling Cider was founded in 2013 in Auburn, Washington, by Colin Schilling and Mark Kornei, quickly growing into one of the Pacific Northwest's most recognized independent cider producers. The company operates a production facility in Auburn and a well-known cider house in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood. The Excelsior Imperial series pushes beyond conventional cider ABV levels, with this blackberry expression fermented to 8.4% ABV — significantly higher than standard ciders — allowing the natural blackberry character to develop greater depth and complexity against a more robust apple base.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe blackberry leads immediately, followed by darker stone-fruit undertones and a subtle tartness. A faint floral quality emerges beneath the berry-forward aromatics.

Taste: The palate opens with concentrated blackberry flavor that reads juicy rather than artificially sweet. Mid-palate, the apple base provides structure and mild acidity, while the imperial-level alcohol adds a warming undercurrent. The fruit sweetness is balanced by a dry finish that prevents the cider from becoming cloying.

Finish: Medium-length with lingering berry skin tannins and a clean, slightly tart close. The elevated ABV contributes a gentle warmth without harshness.

How to Drink Excelsior Imperial Blackberry

Served cold straight from the can, this imperial cider delivers the most direct blackberry experience; a chilled glass helps open up the aromatics further. Its bold fruit character and higher ABV also make it a strong foundation for cider-based cocktails. A Blackberry Mule works well, substituting this cider for beer with ginger beer and lime. A Cider Sangria benefits from the imperial strength holding up against added fruit and wine. A Berry Shandy — mixing half this cider with a wheat beer — creates an approachable, fruit-forward session drink.

Best For

• Backyard gatherings where a bolder alternative to standard cider is welcome
• Introducing craft beer drinkers to high-ABV ciders
• Pairing with grilled meats and summer barbecue spreads
• Stocking a mixed cooler with variety beyond beer and seltzer

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Excelsior Imperial Blackberry taste like? It delivers concentrated blackberry fruit with a balanced apple backbone and moderate tartness, finishing drier than many fruit ciders despite its bold berry intensity. The 8.4% ABV adds a noticeable warmth without overwhelming the fruit.

How does Excelsior Imperial Blackberry compare to a standard Schilling cider? The Excelsior line runs significantly higher in alcohol than Schilling's core range, which typically sits between 5–6.7% ABV. The imperial strength yields a fuller body, deeper fruit concentration, and a more warming character than their session-level ciders.

Is Excelsior Imperial Blackberry good for cocktails? Its elevated ABV and assertive blackberry flavor make it an excellent cocktail ingredient, holding its own when mixed with ginger beer, citrus, or spirits without getting lost in the blend.

Where is Excelsior Imperial Blackberry made? Schilling Cider produces this imperial cider at its facility in Auburn, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

What foods pair well with Excelsior Imperial Blackberry? Grilled pork chops benefit from the berry sweetness cutting through the fat. Sharp aged cheddar provides a savory contrast to the fruit. Dark chocolate desserts echo the deep berry notes. Smoked brisket pairs well, as the cider's acidity refreshes the palate. Mixed green salads with goat cheese and berry vinaigrette create a complementary flavor bridge.

What sizes does Excelsior Imperial Blackberry come in? This expression is available as a 6-pack of 12oz cans, a format designed for sharing and convenience.

Is Excelsior Imperial Blackberry worth the price? It positions as a premium craft cider within the imperial segment, where the higher ABV and specialty fruit additions justify a step up from standard six-packs. For drinkers seeking bold, high-strength fruit cider, it delivers strong value per serving.

Why Excelsior Imperial Blackberry?

Imperial ciders remain a relatively niche category, and Schilling's Excelsior line is among the more widely distributed examples from an independent Pacific Northwest producer. The 8.4% ABV sets this apart from the crowded field of 5% fruit ciders, delivering genuine intensity rather than diluted fruit flavoring. Schilling's position as one of Washington's leading cider makers — with a dedicated cider house and years of production experience since 2013 — gives the brand credibility that newer entrants in the imperial cider space have yet to establish. For anyone who finds standard fruit ciders too mild, this blackberry expression offers a meaningfully bigger experience.