Ace Pineapple Cider has a real claim to fame: it was the world’s first pineapple cider, created by California Cider Company in 2013. Fresh pineapple juice is blended into a fermented apple cider base, which sounds simple, but it launched a whole subcategory that dozens of cideries have since copied.

The basics

• Brewery: Ace Cider (California Cider Company, Sebastopol, CA)
• Style: Hard Cider (Pineapple)
• ABV: 5.0%
• IBU: N/A (cider)

What to expect

Ace Pineapple pours golden with a light white head. The aroma is ripe pineapple first, with a faint orchard-apple character underneath. On the palate it is semi-sweet: the pineapple flavor leads, the apple cider backbone keeps it grounded, and a tart, slightly tangy finish pulls the sweetness back before it turns cloying.

The carbonation is moderate and lifting, and the overall feel is light and refreshing. It tastes like actual pineapple rather than pineapple candy, which is the difference between a cider made with real juice and one made with flavoring.

Our rating

5.0/10

Rated by Alex (5). Alex’s middle-of-the-road score fits the drink: a pleasant, well-made pineapple cider that does what it says on the can, but one that never quite rises above being a good hot-day refresher. If you want a tropical cider without a sugar bomb, this is a fine choice. If you want complexity, look elsewhere.