Hard Cider Definition Altered

A provision included in the tax extenders legislation passed by Congress broadened the definition of hard cider, increasing the allowable alcohol content to 8.5% abv (from 7% abv), increasing the allowable carbonation level to 6.4 grams per liter (from 3.92 grams per liter) and including ciders made from pears in the definition. The changes allow cider meeting these standards to be taxed at a lower rate than both still and sparkling wines.