Craft cider is enjoying a major resurgence in the beverage world. Once viewed as a niche drink, cider now has the same respect and nuance as wine, beer, or even whiskey. That means people aren’t just drinking it casually — they’re curating tasting flights, comparing notes, and discovering how different styles and pairings affect the overall experience.
If you’ve ever wondered how to build a cider tasting flight that highlights variety, educates your guests, and leaves a memorable impression, this article will walk you through the essentials. From understanding flavor profiling to pairing techniques, you’ll learn how to design a cider flight that feels intentional and well-crafted.
What is a cider tasting flight?
A cider tasting flight is essentially a lineup of small pours of different ciders served together for comparison. Most flights include four to six selections, each poured into tasting glasses of three to six ounces. The purpose is to showcase the spectrum of cider flavors — from bone-dry, champagne-like styles to rich, sweet ice ciders.
Flights are popular at cideries and tasting rooms because they give visitors the chance to sample a wide range before committing to a full pour. At home, a cider flight can be a centerpiece for gatherings, giving guests a guided tasting experience that sparks conversation.
Unlike beer flights, which often focus on hop intensity or malt profiles, cider flights explore differences in apple varietals, fermentation techniques, sweetness levels, and the influence of added fruits, spices, or barrel-aging.
How many ciders should you include?
Most experts agree that four to six ciders is the sweet spot. With fewer than four, the range feels limited and doesn’t give tasters enough contrast. With more than six, palate fatigue sets in and subtle flavors become harder to distinguish.
For beginners, three ciders may be enough — typically one dry, one semi-sweet, and one flavored option. At professional tastings or cidery events, six is common, arranged in a progression that highlights balance and variety.
At Story Tavern, guests often enjoy exploring a flight and then taking home their favorite in a growler. Our take-home growlers make it easy to continue the tasting experience beyond the tavern, whether you’re sharing with friends or stocking up for the week. It’s a convenient way to enjoy handcrafted cider whenever the mood strikes
How to structure a cider flight
The order in which you serve ciders matters just as much as the selection itself. Tasters should begin with the lightest, driest styles and gradually move toward sweeter, richer, or more heavily spiced options. This prevents the palate from being overwhelmed early on.
A well-structured flight might start with a crisp dry cider made from sharp apple varieties, followed by a balanced semi-sweet option that introduces rounder fruit notes. From there, you could move into a fruit-infused cider — perhaps with berries, citrus, or tropical additions — before adding a hopped or spiced selection for complexity. Finally, the flight might conclude with a barrel-aged cider or a decadent ice cider, leaving tasters with a bold, memorable finish.
By following this dry-to-sweet progression, tasters gain a clearer sense of how different styles compare and contrast without losing sensitivity to the finer details.
How to taste cider like an expert
Flavor profiling is the backbone of any cider flight. When tasting, pay attention to the same categories that wine professionals use: appearance, aroma, mouthfeel, flavor, and finish.
First, look at the cider in the glass. Its color may range from pale straw to deep amber, and its clarity can reveal whether it’s filtered or naturally cloudy. Next, swirl gently and take in the aroma. Dry ciders often carry notes of apple skin, citrus, or herbs, while sweeter or barrel-aged styles may lean into honey, spice, or vanilla.
As you sip, focus on mouthfeel. Is the cider crisp and effervescent, or soft and round? The flavor itself can reveal everything from tart acidity to tannic grip, with fruit-forward notes or earthy undertones depending on the apple varietals and fermentation method. Finally, note the finish. A well-crafted cider leaves a lingering impression that can be clean and refreshing, warming and spiced, or dessert-like in its sweetness.
Many cider enthusiasts use flavor wheels — visual guides created by cider associations — to help put words to the sensations they experience. This can be particularly useful in group tastings, where shared vocabulary enhances the conversation.
Pairing techniques for cider flights
Food pairings elevate the cider tasting experience. The right dish can either mirror the flavors in the glass or balance them with contrast.
Dry ciders, for example, shine alongside salty foods like oysters or sharp cheeses, where their crisp acidity cuts through richness. Semi-sweet ciders pair beautifully with roasted chicken or pork, highlighting savory flavors while offering just enough sweetness to balance. Fruit-infused ciders often find their perfect match in desserts — apple tarts, berry crumbles, or even a simple fruit salad can bring out their juicy notes.
For tasters seeking bolder experiences, hopped ciders complement spicy dishes such as tacos, barbecue, or curries. The hops add bitterness that stands up to heat. Ice ciders, with their concentrated sweetness, are best paired with indulgent foods like blue cheese, chocolate, or foie gras.
The technique comes down to deciding whether you want the pairing to mirror the cider’s profile or balance it. A crisp cider paired with tangy goat cheese creates harmony, while a sweet cider against spicy food offers contrast. Both approaches are valid and can be used within the same flight to create dynamic moments.
FAQs about cider tasting flights
How many ounces is a cider flight pour?
Most pours range from three to six ounces. Smaller pours preserve freshness and prevent palate fatigue.
What kind of glasses should you use?
Tulip glasses or stemless wine glasses work well because they capture aromas while still allowing for easy sipping.
Should cider be served cold?
Most ciders are best slightly chilled, around 45–55°F. However, barrel-aged or dessert ciders can benefit from being closer to room temperature, where their complexity shines.
Can you host a cider flight at home?
Absolutely. Many bottle shops sell mixed packs from local cideries. Arrange them in a dry-to-sweet order, set out small glasses, and prepare light snacks to pair with each pour.
Designing the perfect cider flight
At its best, a cider tasting flight is more than just a sampling of beverages — it’s a curated journey through flavors, textures, and traditions. By carefully selecting your lineup, arranging the order with intention, and adding thoughtful pairings, you create an experience that feels professional yet approachable.
For cideries, flights are a way to introduce new customers to your range and help them discover favorites. For individuals, they’re a chance to bring people together around a table, learning and laughing as you compare notes. Whether in a tasting room or your own living room, the key is to approach the process with curiosity and attention to detail. Each sip tells part of the story, and when combined into a flight, those stories weave into an experience that lingers long after the glasses are empty.
We Invite You to Story Tavern and The Ciderworks @ Story Tavern
At Story Tavern and The Ciderworks @ Story Tavern in downtown Burbank, every visit is shaped by community, flavor, and connection. From rotating cider flights to our wide craft beer selection, you’ll always find something new to explore — whether you’re a first-time guest or a local regular. Pair your drink with dishes designed to complement your glass, from savory comfort foods to sweet indulgences that elevate the experience.
Located at 150 S San Fernando Blvd., we’re proud to be more than a tavern — we’re a gathering place where stories are shared over exceptional drinks and food. Come see why locals call us their go-to spot for cider, craft beer, and great company. And if you discover a cider you can’t get enough of, don’t forget we offer take-home growlers so you can bring a piece of the Ciderworks experience home with you. Your next favorite pairing is waiting at Story Tavern.