D.C.’s Newest Local Cider House Is Almost Here
Petworth’s nearly ready Capitol Cider House (CCH) is taking its name seriously, promising to source all producers featured at D.C.’s newest cider tasting room within 200 miles of the U.S. Capitol building.
The debut 3,000-square-foot production facility and tasting room (3930 Georgia Avenue NW) which began taking shape last winter now plans to open later this month. The American-made theme appears everywhere, down to its branded glassware with red, white, and blue tasting flights. Popville has a look inside.
The new arrival aims to capitalize on D.C.’s seemingly unquenchable thirst for locally made cider. Budding chain Anxo kicked off the trend in 2016 and has since spread its ciders all across the city. And area newcomer Supreme Core Cider opened its new production facility and taproom in Northeast this past May.
CCH will mainly serve snacks such as hot dogs and charcuterie plates to start. Homegrown food hub Union Market will contribute fare from Sri Lanka-inspired Short Eats and empanadas from M’Panadas. Management says the menu will be finalized soon.
Expect 12 taps pouring mainly gluten-free ciders, as well as bottled ciders, wine, and cocktails. One of the most unique ciders on tap is a small batch collaboration with Distillery Lane Ciderworks out of Jefferson, Md.; Capitol Cider House took a blend of Goldrush, Arkansas Black, and Sundance apples from the 2017 harvest, infused it with quince, and let it age more than half a year.
“The quince added a lovely floral bouquet and the apple blend imparted excellent acidity and structure,” Capitol Cider House founder Jared Fackrell tells Eater. He says he’s locking down an opening date later this week.
Capitol Cider House is projected to operate from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday and Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.