1. Current Issues

Hard Cider Definition Altered

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State & Regulatory Affairs Manager

Pete Johnson serves as the State & Regulatory Affairs Manager for the Brewers Association (BA). He joined the BA at its inception in 2005, having previously worked as Programs Director for the Brewers Association of America. Before coming to the small brewing industry in 2001, Pete worked for 14 years with both state and federal elected officials in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.

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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.

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Link to author biography
State & Regulatory Affairs Manager

Pete Johnson serves as the State & Regulatory Affairs Manager for the Brewers Association (BA). He joined the BA at its inception in 2005, having previously worked as Programs Director for the Brewers Association of America. Before coming to the small brewing industry in 2001, Pete worked for 14 years with both state and federal elected officials in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.

See Pete Johnson's Articles