Strong Ciders use either sugary adjuncts or concentration processes to increase the final alcohol content to levels above those typically attainable from fermenting only unadulterated sweet cider. These additional ingredients or processes have noticeable effects on the finished profile of the ciders, in addition to simply increasing the alcohol level. The name of the category should not be interpreted as implying that every example is necessarily stronger in alcohol than every Traditional Cider style.

The same general characteristics and fault descriptions apply to Strong Ciders as to Traditional Ciders (category C1), with the exception of allowable added ingredients. See the Introduction to Cider and Perry Styles for detailed sensory characteristics that apply to all styles.

This cider is made using traditional New England apples with relatively high acidity, and adjuncts to raise alcohol levels and contribute additional flavor notes. New England is a multi-state region in the northeast United States, east of New York state.

A cider fermented with added neutral sugar that increases the starting gravity, and thus the resulting alcohol, to levels well above those typical for Common Cider. The amount of added sugar is greater than what could be used in other styles to compensate for low gravity. Uses no fruit other than apples, and uses only sugar to increase the starting gravity.

A cider fermented from juice concentrated either by freezing fruit before pressing or by freezing juice to remove water. Fermentation stops or is arrested before reaching dryness.

A Canadian cider style (cidre de feu) using classic North American table fruit varietals, and fermented from boiled, concentrated juice. Fermentation may be intentionally arrested or stopped while a substantial amount of residual sugar is present. No additives are permitted; in particular, sweeteners may not be used to increase gravity. Commercial versions may be aged for up to five years prior to release.