Potter’s Craft Cidery, Cville’s Hillside Retreat
Potter’s Craft Cidery has a wide range of ciders on tap, wine by the glass or bottle, and a full menu. Tucked away in the tree line off 29-South, up on the hilltop, their tasting room is in a mature stone building with ample indoor and outdoor seating. Dan Potter and Tim Edmond founded the company in 2011 and discovered a century-old church to renovate into their ideal afternoon and evening retreat. Over one weekend, I went twice with groups, so I was able to enjoy the scenery and one of their appetizers, along with a wide selection of their ciders and sandwiches.
They have a wide array of ciders to pick from on tap, from classic dry to hop-infused and multiple fruity varieties besides apples. My first visit was on a moderately busy Saturday evening. I tried the Imperial Dry ($8), which at 10 ounces a glass was perfect for a music-filled sunset on their patio. Made with fresh Virginia apples to 8.2% ABV, this cider was true to its name and dry, but with a fruitiness that made it so easy to drink. I paired this cider with their Cuban Panini ($15), and it was phenomenal! The glazed ham was topped with house-smoked pork, making this the heartiest sandwich of the three I tried. The Swiss cheese on the Cuban roll was classic, but the brightness from the pickles and mustard pulled the whole thing together. Although there was a crowd, my drink was served immediately, and it only took about 10 minutes to get my sandwich. They offer firepit reservations for $20 per 2 hours, which was cozy as it got chillier into the evening.
I went back the next day, on a Sunday, around noon, where there were only a handful of people, making the atmosphere peaceful. They offer ample indoor seating, which we took advantage of, heading up to the loft. This day, I chose to start with the Build Your Own Flight ($15), where I got to pick any four ciders. I selected the Petite Cider, Passionfruit Mosaic, Mangoe’s Revenge, and the To Land or Not to Land. To go with my flight, I ordered the Jumbo Soft Pretzel ($13) and the Turkey Club ($16), which I expected to come out shortly after. Unfortunately, my service on this visit took much longer than expected, with my food order taking about 45 minutes in total. I feel this was an anomaly, and the staff was kind and apologetic. The registers are at the bar, so drinks are poured immediately after ordering, making them quick to be served.
The Jumbo soft pretzel was delicious, generously covered with salt and browned to perfection, and served with a side of whole grain mustard. It is quite large and shareable, but it was on the more expensive side for one pretzel. If I were struck with a craving for a warm pretzel, I would definitely order this again.
Working my way through the flight, the Petite Cider ($7) was a perfect start. Made from a Virginia apple blend and Belgian yeast, at 4.2%, it is on the drier side but has a distinct tanginess that makes it quite refreshing. Next was the Mangose’s Revenge ($7), fermented to 4.5%, which was the most surprising flavor combination out of the four. It had a strong mango flavor, and the sweetness was complemented nicely by a blend of coriander and Maldon sea salt. No, your eyes did not deceive you; this cider had a hint of salt that was subtle and delicious.
The Turkey Club was outstanding, with a variety of textures and flavors all packed in one magnificent entree. It had turkey with thick-cut bacon to give it a meaty bite. The arugula and thin, crunchy apples give it a garden-fresh finish, contrasting the bright acidity of the pickled red onions and roasted tomato. The Boursin and garlic aioli was the flawless finish on the crunchy baguette. This is a sandwich with many bold layers, making it complex and fun with every bite. This was my favorite sandwich by far, and I cannot recommend it more.
My personal favorite was the Passionfruit Mosiac ($7), which at 5.5% was bursting with flavors. The fruitiness of the blueberries, citrus, and passionfruit balanced the bitterer hops wonderfully. The hops flavor is strong, but somehow it doesn’t overpower this cider’s lovely tropical aromas. This is one of the ciders that they offer in cans to take home, which they recommend for summer, but would be truly amazing any time of year. Finally, I tried the To Land or Not to Land ($8), which is a hop lover’s dream. This dry cider is 6.9% and packs a punch with Cashmere Hops, Cryohops, and Cyrohops oil. It has a bold but clean taste, with peaks of apple poking through. This is a great option for any beer lover looking to experiment with ciders.
Overall, Potter’s Craft Cidery is a delightful spot to get away from the hubbub of the city and enjoy the drinks on tap, a moment on the patio, or a session from the band. From experienced Virginia Ale Trail enjoyers, to live music lovers, to even someone looking for some cans to go, this cidery is a great addition to Charlottesville’s brew community and a must-try for anyone in the area.
