Evaluating Cider

Question 1

What entities regulate cider labels in the U.S. for ciders 7% ABV and up?

Answer 1

Alcohol, Tax, and Trade Bureau (TTB)

The TTB regulates labeling for alcoholic beverages including cider with higher alcohol content.

Question 2

What entity regulates cider labels in the U.S. for ciders less than 7% ABV?

Answer 2

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA oversees labeling for lower alcohol content ciders, which includes different requirements than the TTB.

Question 3

What information is always found on a cider label?

Answer 3

• Name and location of the producer
• Alcohol level (ABV)
• Volume of liquid in the package
• Warning about drinking while pregnant

This information is often required by law to ensure consumer safety and awareness.

Question 4

What additional information might be found on a cider label?

Answer 4

• Production method
• Varieties of apples or pears used
• Vintage or harvest date
• Trade or certification mark

Some producers may provide sweetness levels, but this is not widely regulated.

Question 5

Which country has specific regulations for indicating sweetness levels on cider labels?

Answer 5

Quebec, Canada and France

These regions have stricter guidelines for labeling sweetness compared to other areas.

Question 6

What are protected designations of origin (PDO) in relation to cider?

Answer 6

Designations that indicate specific geographic origins and production methods that must be followed

Examples include AOC in France and DOP in Spain.

Question 7

What is the French term for ‘controlled designation of origin’?

Answer 7

Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC)

AOC is a regulatory label for wines and ciders that indicates adherence to strict production standards.

Question 8

How should one prepare for evaluating cider?

Answer 8

Be well rested and mentally alert; avoid scented products and highly-flavored foods

This preparation helps ensure an accurate assessment of the cider.

Question 9

What type of glass is recommended for evaluating cider?

Answer 9

A clear, colorless glass that holds roughly 8 ounces and angles in at the top

This design helps concentrate the aromas for better evaluation.

Question 10

What should be the order of tasting when evaluating a range of ciders?

Answer 10

From driest to sweetest

This helps maintain palate clarity and allows for better comparison.

Question 11

List the five elements to assess when evaluating cider.

Answer 11

• Appearance
• Aroma
• Taste
• Body
• Finish

Each element provides insight into the cider’s quality and characteristics.

Question 12

What does ‘body’ refer to in cider evaluation?

Answer 12

The weight or fullness of the cider on the palate

Factors affecting body include sugar, alcohol, tannin, and residual lees.

Question 13

True or False: The best way to understand a cider is by reading its label.

Answer 13

False

Tasting the cider provides the most comprehensive understanding.

Question 14

What does the Structured Sensory Analysis (SSA) provide for cider evaluation?

Answer 14

A systematic approach to evaluating cider’s elements and overall character

The SSA is used as part of the exam for becoming a Certified Pommelier.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The acronym TTB stands for _____

Answer 15

Alcohol, Tax, and Trade Bureau

The TTB is responsible for regulating alcohol labeling in the U.S.

Question 16

What is one common graphic added to cider labels to indicate sweetness levels?

Answer 16

A graphic scale

This visual aid helps consumers understand the sweetness of the cider.