1 Definitions; Alcoholic Beverages; Cider. Amend RSA 175:1, XVI-a to read as follows:

XVI-a. "Cider" means either the naturally fermented expressed juice of apples or the fermented expressed juice of apples to which activated yeast is added, containing not less than 1/2 of one percent alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which may contain flavoring, coloring or related ingredients and may be carbonated or fermented in a sealed container to produce a sparkling beverage or liquor. Cider, as defined here, shall not include cider as defined in RSA 434:40-a.

2 Definitions; Alcoholic Beverages; Specialty Cider. Amend RSA 175:1, LXVI-aa to read as follows:

LXIV-aa. "Specialty cider" means either the naturally fermented expressed juice of apples or the fermented expressed juice of apples to which activated yeast is added, either of which contains not less than 8 percent and not more than 12 percent alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Specialty cider may contain flavoring, coloring, or related ingredients and may be carbonated or fermented in a sealed container to produce a sparkling beverage or liquor. Specialty cider shall not include cider as defined in RSA 434:40-a.

3 Definitions; Alcoholic Beverages; Beverage. Amend RSA 175:1, VIII to read as follows:

VIII. "Beverage" means any beer, wine, similar fermented malt or vinous liquors and fruit juices, and any other liquid intended for human consumption as a beverage having an alcoholic content of not less than 1/2 of one percent by volume and not more than 6 percent alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and specialty beer as defined in RSA 175:1, LXIV-a. The commission may approve any fermented malt beverage or mead greater than 6 percent but not to exceed 8 percent or any cider greater than 6 percent or any specialty cider greater than 8 percent and not to exceed 12 percent alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.

1 Definitions; Alcoholic Beverages; Cider. Amend RSA 175:1, XVI-a to read as follows:

XVI-a. "Cider" means either the naturally fermented expressed juice of apples or the fermented expressed juice of apples to which activated yeast is added, containing not less than 1/2 of one percent alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which may contain flavoring, coloring or related ingredients and may be carbonated or fermented in a sealed container to produce a sparkling beverage or liquor. Cider, as defined here, shall not include cider as defined in RSA 434:40-a. Ciders having an alcohol content greater than 6 percent but not more than 12 percent by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit shall be considered specialty beers.

2 Definitions; Alcoholic Beverages; Specialty Cider. Amend RSA 175:1, LXVI-aa to read as follows:

LXIV-aa. "Specialty cider" means either the naturally fermented expressed juice of apples or the fermented expressed juice of apples to which activated yeast is added, either of which contains not less than 8 percent and not more than 12 percent alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Specialty cider may contain flavoring, coloring, or related ingredients and may be carbonated or fermented in a sealed container to produce a sparkling beverage or liquor. Specialty cider shall not include cider as defined in RSA 434:40-a. Specialty ciders having an alcohol content greater than 6 percent but not more than 12 percent by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit shall be considered specialty beers.

3 Definitions; Alcoholic Beverages; Beverage. Amend RSA 175:1, VIII to read as follows:

VIII. "Beverage" means any beer, wine, similar fermented malt or vinous liquors and fruit juices, and any other liquid intended for human consumption as a beverage having an alcoholic content of not less than 1/2 of one percent by volume and not more than 6 percent alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and specialty beer as defined in RSA 175:1, LXIV-a. The commission may approve any fermented malt beverage or mead greater than 6 percent but not to exceed 8 percent or any cider greater than 6 percent but not to exceed 8.5 percent, or any specialty cider greater than 8 percent and not to exceed 12 percent alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.