October 2, 2025

Virginia Distilled 2025: A Spirited Celebration

The energy of Virginia Spirits Month came to life once again at Virginia Distilled, the annual showcase of Virginia’s distilling community held at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond. Presented by Dominion Energy and sponsored by the Virginia Distiller’s Association, the evening blended competition, tastings and storytelling into one unforgettable celebration of Virginia spirits.

The 2025 Virginia Cocktail Games

The night’s biggest spotlight shined on the Virginia Cocktail Games, where five of the state’s top bartenders competed for the crown. After a spirited first round of digital voting, each finalist reimagined their original cocktail — from a hidden gem of Virginia to something special hidden in plain sight — and presented it to an esteemed panel of judges, as well as batched samples for attendees.

For the second year in a row, Western Virginia took home the title.

Meet the 2025 Competitors and Their Creations

The Omni Homestead Resport & Spa

Cardinal Rose, Christa Thomas

Winner of the Virginia Cocktail Games, Christa Thomas impressed judges with “The Cardinal Rose,” a beautifully balanced cocktail that highlighted the creativity, craftsmanship and versatility of Virginia-made spirits. Her winning drink stood out for its thoughtful flavor profile, elegant presentation and ability to tell a uniquely Virginia story in every sip.

Wang Jiang Lou

Coastal Reverie

Ken Howe

Featuring Chesapeake Bay Distillery Chics Beach Rum, Tarnished Truth Old Cavalier Bourbon Cream, mixed berry fassionola, potato and soy orgeat

Vault & Cellar

Hollow Folk

Dan Kurzenknabe

Featuring Belmont Farms 10 Yr Cask Strength Bourbon, Amaro Averna, peach syrup

Palisades Restaurant

Last Elixir

Zoey Blankenship

Feauring JH Bards Rye Whiskey, ginger-jalapeno syrup, cinnamon-apple shrub, fresh lemon juice, cocoa bitters

The Barrelhouse at Sandy River

Platform 9/3

Shannon Dunbar-Wilson

Featuring Vitae Gold Rum, Chambord, Cointreau, local espresso cold brew, pineapple juice, Lapsang Souchong and sea salt syrup, chocolate bitters, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth

CHECK OUT ALL OF THE COMPETITOR COCKTAILS

Explore the cocktails that brought the creativity, flavor and Virginia spirit to the 2025 Virginia Cocktail Games.

Sip, Sample, Celebrate

For those lucky enough to snag VIP tickets, the night started with an exclusive tasting hour, which included early access to the Cocktail Games and artisan bites from Truckle Cheesemongers.

By the time the grand tasting tent opened, the air was buzzing with anticipation. Guests had the opportunity to sip their way through Virginia with pours from Catoctin Creek Distillery, Chesapeake Bay Distillery, Five Mile Mountain Distillery, Ironclad Distillery, Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery, Reservoir Distillery, Virago Spirits, Virginia Distillery Company, Sandy River Distillery, Three Crosses Distilling and Karahiyo Spirits.

Each distillery showcased signature Virginia-made spirits, with bottles available for purchase at a special 20% discount. A convenient bottle concierge kept purchases safe until departure, leaving guests’ hands free for sipping and exploring.

New this year: attendees who visited all 11 participating distilleries could redeem their completed tasting cards for a spin of the prize wheel, with chances to win Virginia Spirits t-shirts, tasting journals, books, stickers and more.

Bigger Than Spirits

Virginia Distilled isn’t just about what’s in the glass. It’s about immersing guests in the stories, traditions and innovations that define Virginia spirits.

Highlights included:

Educational sessions on the upcoming VA250 Bottle Project — a commemorative whiskey, rum and gin set crafted by Virginia artisans to debut in 2026. Project leaders discussed the process of distilling the product and what makes each bottle uniquely Virginia.
A special proclamation by Joseph Guthrie, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, who officially recognized September as Virginia Spirits Month on behalf of Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
Exclusive after-hours access to museum galleries, including the featured exhibition Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation and Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865.

The night closed on a high note with a stirring fife and drum presentation, perfectly punctuating a celebration that fused Virginia’s rich history and pride.

Virginia Distilled 2025 reminded us why this event stands as the highlight of Virginia Spirits Month: it’s where community, creativity and craftsmanship meet. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us — and to the bartenders, distillers, partners and guests who made the night unforgettable. Until next year, keep sipping Virginia!