Although very closely related to common ciders, applewines fit into the “specialty” category of ciders because they’re brewed with substantial sugar adjuncts to achieve high ABVs; the common style’s “standard” category limits sugar to a pinch. Always clear, these golden ciders are balanced, dry and distinctly “cidery” like their common-style cousins, but applewines offer lighter, more vinous mouthfeels and ABVs that can reach 12%.