Sly Clyde Ciderworks in Hampton

Coastal Virginia’s craft beverage scene continues to grow. Over the summer, Hampton Roads was introduced to its first cidery, Sly Clyde Ciderworks. Located in a historic two-story home in the Phoebus neighborhood of Hampton, Sly Clyde serves hard ciders are all made from Virginia apples and are gluten free.

The taproom is set up in an open living area with additional seating around the bar and high-top tables. My friend and I visited Sly Clyde Sunday evening. While it wasn’t crowded, you quickly get the impression that the cidery is becoming a popular meeting place for locals.

Sly Clyde features 10 ciders, most with a 6.7% ABV. My friend and I each ordered a tasting flight of four ciders and prepared to sip and sample.

I tried their signature cider, the Submersive, along with the Inkjet, the Cut & Run with honey and the Spinning Compass. While these were Sly Clyde’s sweet and semi-sweet ciders, they still came off drier than I anticipated. I didn’t want anything as sweet as a Redd’s Apple Ale but I was left craving a bit more sweetness in Sly Clyde’s ciders.

My favorite was the Inkjet. This cider is fermented with blackberry and mint; Sly Clyde’s version of a mojito cider. Like I said, it wasn’t too sweet but reminded me a lot of Bold Rock’s blackberry cider.

The Spinning Compass will go down as the most interesting tasting cider I’ve ever had. While the idea of habanero and rosemary cider may scare some, I took on the challenge. However, I was not ready for the flavors that hit me. This semi-sweet cider has an incredibly strong habanero aroma. With even just a small sip, you’ll feel the burn and then a warming sensation in your stomach. The taster was more than enough for me, but if you like spicy this is certainly a cider for you.

The taproom also provides boardgames to play while you enjoy your drink as well as seating on the front porch and outback.

Sly Clyde Ciderworks is located at 207 E Mellen St., Hampton.