Schilling Excelsior Mango Super Nova Cider 6Pk

Schilling Excelsior Mango Super Nova Cider 6Pk is a mango-forward hard cider from Washington State, sold as a six-pack of 12 oz cans at 9.1% ABV. Rated 85/100 by Beer & Brewing and carrying a 3.9 average across more than 3,100 Untappd ratings, it has earned a dedicated following among fruit cider drinkers drawn to its bold tropical character and higher-than-average strength.

Quick Facts: ABV: 9.1%  |  Origin: Washington, USA  |  Style: Fruit Cider  |  Producer: Schilling Cider

Production & Heritage

Schilling Cider is a Pacific Northwest craft cidery known for pushing boundaries with fruit-driven, higher-ABV expressions. Mango Super Nova is part of the Excelsior line, which spotlights amplified fruit character and elevated alcohol content. The base uses fresh-pressed heirloom cider apples blended with real mango puree—not just flavoring—along with pineapple juice concentrate, pear juice concentrate, lime juice concentrate, and citric acid. The mango puree is the key differentiator here: it contributes both the intense tropical flavor and the hazy, almost nectar-like body that sets this cider apart from competitors relying on concentrates or natural flavoring alone.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh mango dominates the nose immediately, followed by subtle floral notes and a whisper of tropical fruit cocktail. A faint apple blossom sweetness rounds out the aromatics without competing with the mango.

Taste: The entry is smooth and juicy, positively loaded with ripe mango flavor. Mid-palate, crisp apple acidity and light citrus undertones from lime emerge to keep the sweetness in check. A faint pineapple brightness adds complexity, while the 9.1% ABV contributes a barely perceptible warmth that reminds you this is no session cider.

Finish: The finish turns slightly tart and dry, a welcome counterpoint to the fruit-forward palate. Lingering mango and a clean citric snap keep things refreshing rather than cloying.

How to Drink Mango Super Nova

Serve cold, straight from the can or poured into a tulip glass to open up the aromatics. At 9.1% ABV, this drinks deceptively easy, so pacing is wise. For cocktail applications, try it in a Cider Margarita—the mango and lime notes complement tequila naturally. It also works well in a Tropical Shandy, cut with a light wheat beer to temper the sweetness for a lower-ABV long drink. A Mango Mule variation—substituting Mango Super Nova for ginger beer alongside vodka and fresh lime—plays off the cider's built-in tartness.

Best For

• Summer cookouts and outdoor gatherings where a bold, easy-drinking cider outshines light beer
• Introducing craft beer fans to the higher-ABV side of cider
• Pairing with spicy dishes like Thai or Mexican cuisine where mango sweetness tempers heat
• Stocking a mixed cooler with variety beyond standard apple cider offerings

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mango Super Nova taste like? It delivers a juicy, ripe mango flavor upfront with crisp apple acidity and a slightly tart, dry finish. The sweetness is present but restrained, balanced by lime-like citrus notes.

How does Mango Super Nova compare to Blake's El Chavo? Blake's El Chavo blends mango with habanero pepper for a sweet-heat profile at a lower 6.5% ABV, while Mango Super Nova commits fully to tropical mango intensity at a stronger 9.1% ABV with no spice element. Drinkers who want pure fruit impact without heat will prefer Schilling's approach.

Is Mango Super Nova good for sipping on its own? Absolutely—its balance of mango richness, apple crispness, and tart finish makes it satisfying straight from the can, though the 9.1% ABV means it drinks stronger than most session ciders.

Where is Mango Super Nova made? It is produced by Schilling Cider in Washington State, a Pacific Northwest cidery that specializes in handcrafted fruit ciders using fresh-pressed apples and real fruit purees.

What foods pair well with Mango Super Nova? Fish tacos benefit from the cider's mango sweetness and citrus acidity. Thai green curry is tempered by the fruit-forward body. Grilled shrimp skewers echo the tropical character. A sharp aged cheddar provides savory contrast. Fresh ceviche mirrors the lime and mango notes already present in the cider.

What sizes does Mango Super Nova come in? The standard format is a six-pack of 12 oz cans, consistent with Schilling's Excelsior line packaging.

Is Mango Super Nova worth the price? It positions as a premium craft cider within the fruit cider category, and the use of real mango puree rather than artificial flavoring, combined with the higher 9.1% ABV, supports its value above mass-market alternatives.

Why Mango Super Nova?

What separates this cider from the crowded mango-flavored field is the use of actual mango puree as a primary ingredient, which Schilling credits for both the intense flavor and the distinctive haze in the liquid. The 9.1% ABV places it firmly in the strong cider tier without sacrificing drinkability—a balance that earns it an 85/100 from Beer & Brewing and consistent praise from thousands of Untappd reviewers. The Excelsior line is built for drinkers who want more flavor and more strength than a standard 5-6% fruit cider delivers. For anyone seeking a tropical cider that commits fully to its flavor premise without tipping into artificial sweetness, Mango Super Nova makes a compelling case.