Angry Orchard Variety 12PK

Angry Orchard Variety 12PK is a 12-pack of 12 oz hard ciders featuring four rotating styles at 5% ABV, produced by America's best-selling cider brand. Angry Orchard overtook all domestic competitors to become the top-selling hard cider in the United States by mid-2013, and this variety pack showcases the range of flavors that earned that distinction.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: Walden, New York (Hudson Valley), USA  |  Style: Hard Cider Variety Pack  |  Producer: Angry Orchard Cider Company (Boston Beer Company)

Production & Heritage

Angry Orchard Cider Company operates its dedicated cider house and innovation center in Walden, New York, in the heart of the Hudson Valley. The ciders are built on an international apple-blending approach: French bittersweet varieties from Normandy supply tannic structure and dry complexity, while Italian culinary apples deliver the bright, recognizable sweetness most drinkers expect. Fermentation relies on a relatively neutral white wine yeast — uncommon in mass-market ciders — that allows the apple character to remain front and center rather than being masked by yeast-driven flavors.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh-pressed apple dominates immediately, clean and orchard-bright. Subtle honey and a faint malt-like sweetness emerge underneath as the cider warms slightly in the glass.

Taste: The entry is light-bodied and mildly carbonated, leading with crisp, single-apple sweetness. Mid-palate brings a balance of bright acidity from culinary apples and gentle tannin from bittersweet French varieties. Seasonal styles in the pack — such as Blood Orange with its honeysuckle and citrus notes, or the vanilla-and-baked-crust character of Headless Pumpkin — add variety beyond the flagship Crisp Apple.

Finish: Clean and moderately short, with lingering apple sweetness and a dry, slightly tart close. Refreshing carbonation lifts the finish and resets the palate quickly.

How to Drink Angry Orchard

All four styles drink well chilled straight from the can or poured over ice. For cocktail exploration, the variety pack gives you multiple base flavors to work with. A Cider Mule pairs Crisp Apple with ginger beer and lime for a carbonated, spicy twist. A Snakebite — half cider, half lager — adds body and malt complexity. An Apple Sangria built with sliced seasonal fruit and a splash of brandy turns any of the pack's ciders into a crowd-friendly punch.

Best For

• Introducing a gluten-free drinker to a range of hard cider styles in one purchase
• Stocking a backyard barbecue or tailgate with crowd-pleasing variety
• Exploring seasonal and limited-edition Angry Orchard flavors alongside the flagship
• Casual weeknight drinking at an approachable 5% ABV

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Angry Orchard taste like? The core Crisp Apple cider delivers bright, clean apple sweetness balanced by moderate tartness and a dry, lightly tannic finish from French bittersweet apples. Rotating seasonal flavors in the pack add dimensions like citrus, vanilla, or baking-spice character.

How does Angry Orchard compare to Woodchuck? Angry Orchard surpassed Woodchuck as the best-selling hard cider in the United States in 2013 and has held that position since. Woodchuck Amber tends toward a more straightforward amber-hued sweetness, while Angry Orchard's Crisp Apple leans brighter and crisper with added tannic complexity from its French apple blend.

Is Angry Orchard good for beginners? Yes — the 5% ABV is approachable, the flavors are fruit-forward and easy to understand, and the variety pack format lets newcomers sample multiple styles without committing to a full six-pack of any single one.

Where is Angry Orchard made? Angry Orchard Cider Company is owned by Boston Beer Company and operates its cider house and innovation center in Walden, New York, located in the Hudson Valley. The apples are sourced internationally, including bittersweet varieties from Normandy, France, and culinary apples from Italy and the Pacific Northwest.

What foods pair well with Angry Orchard? Pulled pork sandwiches — the cider's acidity cuts through rich, smoky meat. Sharp cheddar or Gruyère — tangy cheese amplifies the apple character. Roasted butternut squash — seasonal sweetness mirrors the cider's fruit notes. Apple-glazed pork chops — a natural bridge. Mixed-green salads with vinaigrette — the cider's carbonation and tartness refresh the palate.

What sizes does Angry Orchard come in? The Variety 12PK contains twelve 12 oz cans, typically arranged as four styles with three cans each. Individual Angry Orchard flavors are also available in 6-packs of 12 oz bottles and cans.

Is Angry Orchard worth the price? Angry Orchard positions as an accessible, entry-level hard cider, and the variety pack format adds value by letting drinkers sample multiple styles in a single purchase — a strong proposition for anyone exploring the category.

Why Angry Orchard?

What separates this variety pack from competitors is the apple sourcing behind it. Rather than relying on a single domestic apple supply, Angry Orchard blends bittersweet French cider apples with Italian and American culinary varieties, then ferments them with white wine yeast to preserve that fruit complexity. The result is a range of ciders with more tannic structure and aromatic depth than most mass-market alternatives. For drinkers who want a gluten-free, lower-ABV option that still rewards attention, the Variety 12PK delivers the breadth of America's top-selling cider brand in a single box.