Blake's Hard Cider Co. 'Strawberry Blush' Imperial Hard Cider, Michigan

Ripe strawberry, orchard blossom, and fresh apple open with an airy, fruit-led character. Blake's Hard Cider Co. 'Strawberry Blush' Imperial Hard Cider, Michigan, builds its vivid berry profile on Blake’s established apple-cider base, combining substantial strength with a finish that remains clean and gently dry. Its balance of expressive fruit and farmhouse identity reflects a family tradition rooted in generations of Michigan agriculture.

Product Details:

• Founder: Andrew Blake
• Apple Blend: Five-apple cider base
• Fruit: Strawberry
• Pressing: Apples pressed by the producer
• Fermentation: Fermented by the producer
• ABV: 8%
• Calories: 200 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 21 g per serving
• Sugar: 16 g per serving

Sensory Description:

The nose is floral and lifted, with ripe strawberry layered over fresh apple and delicate orchard-blossom notes. The palate is light in feel despite the cider’s imperial strength, bringing forward juicy red-fruit flavour and measured sweetness. Fresh apple acidity adds definition, while a gently dry edge keeps the profile composed. Strawberry lingers through the deep, persistent finish without losing its bright and refreshing character.

Awards & Accolades:

• Bronze: New York International Cider Competition, Rosé Category, 2026

Producer’s Background:

Blake’s agricultural history began in 1946, when Gerald and Lovey Blake moved their family to a hundred-acre farm in Armada. Their descendants continued growing fruit and produce, establishing more than 75 years of farming experience before Andrew Blake returned to the family property and founded Blake’s Hard Cider in 2013. The independent, family-owned cidery presses and ferments cider within its farming operation and has expanded distribution across more than 35 states. Its range emphasizes apple-based ciders layered with expressive fruit, drawing on the Blake family’s agricultural background while exploring contemporary styles and higher-strength releases.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well chilled at 5 to 7 degrees Celsius in a stemmed cider glass or tulip glass to highlight its floral aromatics and strawberry character. Pair with soft cheese, summer salads, glazed pork, grilled chicken, fruit-topped flatbreads, or lightly spiced dishes. Its 8% ABV and lingering fruit profile also make it suited to slow sipping alongside strawberry desserts or vanilla panna cotta.