Urban Orchard Cider Company in Asheville, NC not only has incredible hard cider but also one of the coolest tasting rooms I’ve ever visited. Sadly, you would never know this given the scarcity of photos on their website so I will do my best to make up for this oversight. There is something for everyone at Urban Orchard – from pool tables to eye-catching artwork to private nooks for reading to ping pong tables and even disco balls! Seating runs the gamut from diner-style booths to high top tables to plushy armchairs and sofas. And yes, my hard-core cider lovers out there, I am pleased to report that Urban Orchard’s offerings are as unique and tasty as the décor!
We kicked off our tasting with the fruit-forward, slightly tart Arid Apple. I’m normally not a huge fan of bone-dry ciders but I very much enjoyed this one. Despite its name, Sweet English wasn’t super sweet but rather a nice mellow cider with subtle orange notes. Speaking of orange, the Highland cider is basically a creamsicle in a glass. The blackberry-infused Black Hole has the perfect balance of tart to sweet. The Vacation Station with its lovely mix of guava, kiwi and mango threatened to steal my heart. Then I tasted the Sidra Del Diablo and wow! Talk about packing quite a bite! This habanero-infused cider is a must for spicy food fans like myself.
For those seeking experiences beyond mere tastings, fear not! Urban Orchard Cider Company hosts everything from Dungeons and Dragons nights to live music to tango lessons. And did I mention that they’re also dog-friendly too? If I had to change one thing about Urban Orchard Cider Company it would be this – I’d have them open a second tasting room exactly like this one but in New Jersey.
