DARK SECRETS: Why pear cider may have more alcohol than ever this year | Vintage Vibes

• Record-breaking heatwaves and droughts in the UK have concentrated natural sugars in fruit, leading cider makers to anticipate a bumper perry harvest.
• Increased sugar levels could result in super-strong ciders exceeding 8.5 per cent alcohol by volume, potentially leaving drinkers with stronger headaches.
• Perries that exceed an ABV of 8.5 per cent will incur higher tax duty, as they will be reclassified and taxed as wine rather than cider.
• The extreme heat in France has similarly pushed Champagne alcohol levels up to 15 per cent, requiring a one-off regulatory exemption.
• Climate change and rising European temperatures are prompting major Champagne producers to invest in vineyards in southern England.

IN FULL

UK heatwaves and drought could bring super-strength cider