An infusion of Unicorn Fuel is on its way to Shockoe Bottom.
Bryant’s Creek Small Batch Cider said in a press release this week that it planned to relocate its Richmond tasting room by January to a mixed-use building at 2114 E. Main St., in the popular historic area.
Courtesy photo by Vanessa Gleiser.
The Nelson County-based cidery opened its original Richmond tasting room in Jackson Ward a year ago. This move will double its current production capacity, the release says. Bryant’s produces its cider exclusively on a 386-acre, family farm and orchard in Roseland, where it has another tasting room.
The Shockoe Bottom location will feature a cider lab where customers can create their own customizable drinks with flavored tinctures. Bryant’s – known for Unicorn Fuel, made with hibiscus and rose hips – is experimenting with a Victorian, steam-punk concept consistent with the age of the 1850s building. Owner Jerry Thornton says the new spot is representative of the cidery’s brand and identity.
“The cider lab is a fun way for us to embrace all the weird and funky flavor profiles we like to create,” Thornton said in a statement. Bryant’s will also use the new 1,200-square-foot production facility as a collaboration and testing space for exclusive and barrel-aged ciders.
Courtesy photo by Ashleigh Aycock.
“We felt this building would be a unique opportunity,” Thorton said. “Back in the 1850s, our farm mainly produced apples that were shipped to Richmond. We want to preserve the history, embrace our roots, and have a reminder of our farm at our new location.”