cider

cider, in Europe, fermented juice of apples; in the United States, unfermented apple juice, unless allowed to ferment, in which case it is known as hard cider. Selected apples are grated in a mill, and the juice is expressed and, for hard cider, fermented and filtered. The commercial product is usually pasteurized or treated with preservatives and is frequently blended to balance the chief constituents, sugar, malic acid, and tannin. In France cider is made principally in Normandy and Brittany. It is at its best after a year or two in cask. English cider from the southern and western counties is noted and rivals beer as a popular alcoholic beverage. Cider is popular also in Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. Perry is a similar beverage made from pears.

Expressed juice of apples. Apples are ground to a fine pulp and then pressed. Hard (alcoholic) cider is fermented in vats for up to three months before being filtered and aged (see fermentation). Sweet cider is unfermented and either drunk fresh (as in the U.S.) or mellowed in pressurized tanks first (particularly in Europe). Most cider in the U.S. is now pasteurized. Juice that is pasteurized, treated with a preservative, and often clarified before being hermetically sealed in cans or bottles is marketed as apple juice.

Learn more about cider with a free trial on Britannica.com.

K is a British cider manufactured and distributed by the Gaymer Cider Company of Bath, England. Unusually for a British drink, it is sold in both America and the United Kingdom.

Noted for its bittersweet flavour and advertised under the slogan 'Strong. Refreshing. Different.', the canned version available in the UK is 8.4% ABV while the bottled version comes in two varieties, 8.4% and "K6" at 6.3%. The bottled version available in the US is 6.9%.

Cans and bottles of K have a highly distinctive look, coloured black with a scarlet K in the centre of the container. Each can has the following legend printed upon it: "It has always been presumed that 'X' means strength however premium liquids of a superior quality have always been marked with a 'K'. So when you want the ultimate in quality, look for this K."

Also in the bottled variety there was an ultra violet Limited Edition in a mauve bottle which reflected UV light for the club scene.