Where history, craftsmanship and innovation come together in every bottle.
Across the most respected spirits competitions in the world, including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, New York International Spirits Competition, the International Whisky Competition, the ADI International Spirits Competition and more, Virginia distilleries consistently earn Gold, Double Gold, Best-in-Class and “Distillery of the Year” honors.
From single malt to bourbon, vodka, gin and specialty spirits, Virginia producers hold their own on the same stages where industry giants from Kentucky and Tennessee compete. These wins reflect a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and grain-to-glass excellence that continues to elevate Virginia’s place in the national spirits landscape.
Founded by lifelong friends Bill Karlson and John O’Mara in Manassas, KO Distilling has built a reputation for producing some of Virginia’s finest craft spirits. In 2026, the distillery claimed Best in Show at the First Landing Cup with its Bare Knuckle Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey, while also earning multiple Best in Category honors across its whiskey and gin portfolio. Visitors can enjoy tastings, handcrafted cocktails and a firsthand look at the award-winning spirits that continue to raise the bar for Virginia distilling.
Featuring Reservoir Hunter & Scott Bourbon Whiskey, this cocktail layers fresh tarragon, cherry preserves, Meyer lemon juice, Bénédictine and a local honey-infused orgeat syrup to create depth, balance and richness. The cherry honors Washington’s beloved cordial, while the herbs and honey bring a sense of Virginia’s land and seasons into the glass.
Virginia’s story has long been shaped by distilled spirits. In 1620, colonist George Thorpe produced what is widely considered the first batch of corn whiskey in America. From that early beginning, Virginia’s distilling industry grew rapidly, with nearly 3,600 distilleries operating across the commonwealth by 1810.
More than 400 years later, and despite the setbacks of Prohibition, Virginia distillers continue to carry that legacy forward. Across the commonwealth, today’s producers honor the family traditions, time-honored recipes and pioneering spirit that have defined Virginia-made spirits for generations.
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