Crispin Original Cider 6-Pack is a cold-fermented American hard cider made from fresh-pressed apples, available in a 6-pack of 12 oz bottles at 5.0% ABV. Its use of specially selected wine yeasts rather than standard beer yeasts distinguishes it from most commercial ciders, producing a noticeably cleaner, more fruit-forward profile that has outperformed major national brands in blind tastings by publications like Paste Magazine. Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0% | Origin: Minneapolis, Minnesota | Style: Semi-Sweet Hard Cider | Producer: Minneapolis Cider Company Production & Heritage Crispin Original is produced by Minneapolis Cider Company, continuing the legacy of the former Crispin Cider Company. The cider begins with raw, unpasteurized juice from fresh-pressed American apples — a meaningful distinction from concentrate-based competitors. What truly separates the production process is classic cold-fermentation using specially selected wine yeasts, a technique borrowed from winemaking that preserves delicate fruit aromatics and yields a more complex, authentic apple character than conventional warm-fermented ciders brewed with ale or lager yeasts. Tasting Notes Aroma: Green apple leads with subtle citrus undertones and a faint floral note from the wine-yeast fermentation. The nose is clean and inviting without any cloying sweetness. Taste: The entry is bright and fruit-forward, with red apple sweetness that quickly balances against a measured dryness on the mid-palate. Tropical and pear notes emerge as the cider warms slightly, and a gentle effervescence keeps the medium body feeling lively rather than heavy. Despite reading as semi-sweet, it avoids the sugary quality common in mass-market ciders. Finish: The finish is quick and clean, with a crisp snap of tart apple skin that encourages the next sip. There is no lingering syrupy residue — just fresh fruit and a dry close. How to Drink Crispin Original Serve chilled at around 40–45°F straight from the bottle or poured into a tulip glass to open up the aromatics. Crispin Original also works well in cocktails: try a Cider Mule with ginger beer and lime, where the apple sweetness rounds out the ginger's bite; a Cider Mimosa layered with orange juice for a brunch alternative to sparkling wine; or an Apple Bourbon Smash, combining the cider with bourbon and a dash of cinnamon syrup for a fall-inspired sipper. Best For Backyard cookouts and warm-weather gatherings where refreshment is key Introducing beer drinkers to the hard cider category with a well-balanced entry point Stocking a mixed cooler alongside craft beers for variety Pairing with lighter fare like grilled chicken, charcuterie, or fruit-based desserts Frequently Asked Questions What does Crispin Original taste like? Crispin Original delivers a fruit-forward apple flavor with red apple sweetness balanced by subtle tartness and a clean, dry finish. It drinks as semi-sweet without tasting sugary, supported by light effervescence and hints of pear and tropical fruit. How does Crispin Original compare to Angry Orchard Crisp Apple? Both are widely available American hard ciders, but Crispin Original uses fresh-pressed unpasteurized juice and wine yeasts, while Angry Orchard relies on a different fermentation approach. Multiple reviewers and blind-tasting panels have noted that Crispin delivers a drier, more complex apple character with less residual sweetness than Angry Orchard Crisp Apple. Is Crispin Original good for cider beginners? Yes — its balanced semi-sweet profile and approachable 5.0% ABV make it an excellent gateway cider for anyone transitioning from beer, wine, or sweeter drinks. The clean apple flavor is familiar without being one-dimensional. Where is Crispin Original made? Crispin Original is produced by Minneapolis Cider Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The cider is made from fresh-pressed American apples sourced domestically. What foods pair well with Crispin Original? Roasted pork loin pairs naturally, as apple and pork are a classic combination. Sharp cheddar cheese highlights the cider's tartness, while grilled shrimp complements its light body. Apple-glazed chicken mirrors the fruit notes, and a simple green salad with vinaigrette matches the cider's crisp acidity. What sizes does Crispin Original come in? The standard retail format is a 6-pack of 12 oz bottles, which is the most widely distributed size. Is Crispin Original worth the price? Crispin Original positions as a premium everyday cider — priced slightly above budget brands but justified by its fresh-pressed juice and wine-yeast fermentation. For drinkers seeking a step up from entry-level commercial ciders, it represents strong value within the category. Why Crispin Original? The wine-yeast cold fermentation is not a marketing flourish — it fundamentally changes how the cider tastes, producing a cleaner fermentation profile with more nuanced fruit expression than beer-yeast alternatives. Fresh-pressed, unpasteurized apple juice as a base material gives the cider an authenticity that concentrate-based competitors struggle to match. With an Untappd rating of 3.5 across more than 40,000 reviews and consistent praise in comparative tastings, Crispin Original has earned a reputation as one of the more reliable widely distributed ciders in the American market. It bridges the gap between mass-market simplicity and craft complexity in a way that rewards both casual drinkers and those paying closer attention.
