Aroma: Fruity, smooth, sweet-tart. Acidity must be enough to prevent it being cloying.
Appearance: Brilliant. Color is deeper than a standard cider, gold to amber.
Flavor: Fruity, smooth, sweet-tart. Acidity must be enough to prevent it being cloying.
Mouthfeel: Full body. May be tannic (astringent and/or bitter) but this should be slight, to moderate at most.
Varieties: Usually North American classic table fruit such as McIntosh or Cortland.
Entry Instructions: Entrants MUST specify starting gravity, final gravity or residual sugar, and alcohol level. Entrants MUST specify carbonation level (3 levels).
Commercial Examples: [US] various from Eden Ice Cider Company and Champlain Orchards. [Canada] Domaine Pinnacle, Les Vergers de la Colline, and Cidrerie St-Nicolas (Quebec).