Seattle Cider Semi-Sweet 4Pk

Seattle Cider Semi-Sweet 4Pk is a 6.5% ABV craft hard cider from Seattle Cider Co. in Washington State, sold in a four-pack of cans. This expression earned a Judges' Pick at the 2021 Best of the Northwest Cider competition from Sip Magazine, distinguishing it among Pacific Northwest ciders for its balanced sweetness and clean apple character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.5%  |  Origin: Seattle, Washington  |  Style: Semi-Sweet Hard Cider  |  Cidery: Seattle Cider Co.

Production & Heritage

Seattle Cider Co. operates out of Seattle, Washington, and has built a reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest's leading craft cider producers. The Semi-Sweet is fermented entirely to dryness using white wine yeast — a technique that yields a clean, wine-like fermentation profile — and then carefully back-sweetened with cane sugar to reach its intended balance point. The apple blend is a proprietary combination of five varietals: Granny Smith, Fuji, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Gala, each contributing different dimensions of tartness, body, and fruit sweetness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Honey-gold in the glass, with upfront aromas of fresh apple skin and bergamot orange. Lighter notes of lemon zest emerge as the cider warms slightly.

Taste: The entry is crisp and bright, with green apple acidity from the Granny Smith component leading into a rounded mid-palate of ripe Fuji and Gala sweetness. Subtle hints of citrus and cinnamon appear toward the peak, with a delicate apricot undertone threading through.

Finish: Pleasantly smooth and moderate in length, with lingering apple and a light sugar-cane sweetness that fades cleanly. No cloying residual sugar — the back-sweetening is measured and restrained.

How to Drink Semi-Sweet Cider

Serve chilled, straight from the can or poured into a pint glass to appreciate the honey color and aromatics. A Snakebite pairs the cider with a light lager for an easy-drinking pub staple. A Cider Mule substitutes cider for beer in a classic mule template, where the ginger beer and lime amplify the citrus notes already present. An Apple Bourbon Smash uses a short pour of this cider as a topper, where the semi-sweet profile rounds out bourbon's oak and caramel edges.

Best For

• Introducing craft cider to someone who finds fully dry styles too austere
• Summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings where refreshment matters
• Pairing with weeknight dinners as a lighter alternative to wine
• Building a Pacific Northwest cider tasting flight alongside drier expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Seattle Cider Semi-Sweet taste like? It delivers crisp apple flavor with balanced sweetness, accented by bergamot orange, lemon, hints of cinnamon, and a smooth apricot-tinged finish. The white wine yeast fermentation keeps the profile clean rather than funky.

How does Semi-Sweet compare to Anthem Cider? Anthem's original cider tends to run more tart and complex with earthier tannin structure, while Seattle Cider Semi-Sweet leans into approachable fruit sweetness and citrus brightness. Both are Pacific Northwest producers, but the Semi-Sweet is the more accessible, crowd-friendly option.

Is Seattle Cider Semi-Sweet good for cider beginners? Yes — the back-sweetened profile bridges the gap between commercial sweet ciders and bone-dry craft styles, making it an excellent entry point into quality hard cider without overwhelming tartness or dryness.

Where is Seattle Cider Semi-Sweet made? It is produced by Seattle Cider Co. in Seattle, Washington. The cidery sources a proprietary blend of five apple varietals — Granny Smith, Fuji, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Gala — and ferments with white wine yeast.

What foods pair well with Semi-Sweet Cider? Roasted pork loin works well, as the cider's acidity cuts through richness. Sharp cheddar cheese creates a classic contrast with the apple sweetness. Grilled chicken with herb seasoning matches the cider's lighter body. Spicy Thai dishes benefit from the residual sugar tempering the heat. Apple-based desserts like tarte tatin echo the fruit character without clashing.

What sizes does Semi-Sweet come in? The standard retail format is a four-pack of cans at 6.5% ABV.

Is Seattle Cider Semi-Sweet worth the price? It positions as a mid-range craft cider — priced above mass-market brands but accessible within the craft category. The five-apple blend, white wine yeast fermentation, and competition recognition support its standing as a solid value among Pacific Northwest ciders.

Why Semi-Sweet?

The distinguishing factor here is the production approach: full fermentation to dryness with white wine yeast followed by precise back-sweetening with cane sugar. This two-step method gives the cidery control over the final sweetness level without leaving behind the unpredictable flavors of arrested fermentation. The Judges' Pick from Sip Magazine's 2021 Best of the Northwest Cider validates the execution. Among semi-sweet ciders in the Pacific Northwest market, this expression stands out for its clean fermentation character, multi-varietal apple complexity, and a finish that stays balanced rather than sugary.