This release brings together some of Virginia’s most respected distilleries for a rare collaboration unlike anything produced before. Featuring Botanical Gin, Aged Rum and cask-strength Four Grain Whiskey, the VA250 Trio Pack was crafted as a limited-edition collector’s release designed to showcase the depth, creativity and craftsmanship of Virginia spirits.
Inspired by the landscapes and flavors that define the commonwealth, each spirit offers a distinct expression of Virginia, from bright botanical notes to rich barrel character and bold cask-strength complexity. Housed in custom packaging featuring artwork inspired by the James River and Virginia’s spirit-making heritage, the collection was created to be experienced, displayed and remembered.
Produced in limited quantities and released only once, the VA250 Trio Pack is more than a set of bottles. It is a rare collaborative release created for collectors, spirits enthusiasts and those looking to own a unique piece of Virginia craft history.
Available exclusively at select Virginia ABC stores.
The project brought together Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery, Virago Spirits, Vitae Spirits, Belmont Farm Distillery, Ironclad Distillery, Catoctin Creek Distilling Co., Virginia Distillery Co.,Reservoir Distillery and Chesapeake Bay Distillery to create a one-of-a-kind Botanical Gin, Aged Rum and cask-strength Four Grain Whiskey. Together, these spirits draw inspiration from the landscapes, traditions and waterways that have shaped Virginia for generations.
Tasting notes provided by Ethan Pope aka @thebourbonbishop
Nose: Bright lemon peel, cucumber, soft sweetness, and a pronounced dill note lead the way, while restrained juniper keeps the profile approachable rather than aggressively pine-forward.
Palate: Gentle and slightly creamy with balanced sweetness and soft botanical character. Less layered than the nose suggests, but very easy to sip.
Finish: Citrus and light pepper linger cleanly with a subtle return of dill and herbal spice on the back end
Nose: Yeasty brown bread, cinnamon roll, red fruit, baking spice, and raw marshmallow create an expressive and grain-forward nose with plenty of personality.
Palate: Full-bodied and immediately corn-forward with waves of cinnamon spice, youthful grain, and dense sweetness underneath the heat.
Finish: Cinnamon and peppermint carry into a long finish layered with molasses cookie, red apple, drying oak tannins, and lingering grain sweetness.
Nose: Deep molasses, dark dates, yeast, and a faint burnt oatmeal cookie note rise from the glass alongside noticeable ethanol and smoky barrel influence.
Palate: Smoky char arrives first before settling into a darker caramelized sweetness. There’s clear depth underneath, though the heavier finishing influence can feel slightly overpowering at times.
Finish: Cinnamon, date sweetness, chocolate, and lingering oak smoke carry through the finish with persistent warmth and a touch of youthful heat.
This terroir-driven botanical gin was conceived and distilled by three of the most celebrated botanical spirits producers in Virginia. Led by head distiller Peter Ahlf with distiller Kimberly Nuckols (Mt. Defiance Cider & Distillery) and with blending and distillation support from Barry Haneberg (Virago Spirits) and Peter Morgner (Vitae Spirits), this gin captures the essence of Virginia’s rolling and diverse landscape.
The botanical bill is built around a traditional “London Dry” flavor profile, featuring Italian juniper, angelica, coriander, orris root, and lemon peel. Having honored gin’s deep historic legacy, the team then wove in native Virginia top notes of pawpaw, rose, sassafras, and sumac, with exotic flourishes of cardamom, cubeb, and aniseed.
Enjoy over ice with your favorite tonic and a squeeze of citrus, or build a local riff on a classic Martini or Negroni featuring Virginia-made vermouths and liqueurs.
Collaborators:
Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery, Virago Spirits, Vitae Spirits
This bottle holds a true “Virginia” whiskey. Not bourbon, not rye, not single malt – the liquid is an expression of the commonwealth, meticulously blended from 10 highly prized barrels produced by four leading distillers. The whiskeys used to build this historic dram include:
Blended by Amanda Beckwith, Lead Blender at Virginia Distillery Co., and Scott Harris of Catoctin Creek Distillery Co., this four-grain whiskey is made exclusively from Virginia-grown grains and fermented, distilled, and aged entirely in Virginia. Bottled at a luxurious 120 proof, its flavor and aroma showcase the depth of Virginia’s terroir. Enjoy neat or with a splash of water.
Collaborators:
Ironclad Distillery, Catoctin Creek Distilling Co., Virginia Distillery Co., Reservoir Distillery
Virginia has a storied rum heritage, shaped by the state’s rich historic and commercial ties to the spirit. This rum is a modern distillation of that legacy, sourced from some of the oldest craft rum barrels in the commonwealth:
The collaboration was led by Barry Haneberg (Virago Spirits), with blending support from Chuck Miller (Belmont Farm Distillery), Peter Morgner (Vitae Spirits), and Chris Richeson (Chesapeake Bay Distillery). This distinguished result of their efforts carries an average age of 7.5 years and is bottled at 105 proof.
Its component rums were distilled and aged in Virginia, with some finished in a variety of wine and spirits casks, adding layers of richness and complexity. Enjoy it neat, or showcase its bold profile in a spirit-forward cocktail, like a Rum Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Collaborators:
Belmont Farm Distillery, Virago Spirits, Vitae Spirits, Chesapeake Bay Distillery
Explore the map below to locate select Virginia ABC stores offering the Virginia Spirits 250th Celebration Trio Pack. Availability may vary by location, and inclusion on the map does not guarantee current stock. For real-time inventory, please check the Virginia ABC product page or call the store directly.
Each spirit was chosen due to its historical significance to both the United States and the development of Virginia’s statehood. Equally important were the distillers selected to lead the project. Award-winning masters of their craft, each brought a unique perspective and expertise to create a one-of-a-kind collection that reflects Virginia’s landscapes, traditions and flavors.
Amanda Beckwith serves as Lead Blender at Virginia Distillery Co., where she guides the flavor, balance and consistency behind each American single malt. With a deep understanding of maturation, blending and sensory development, she plays a central role in shaping the character of the distillery’s whisky, ensuring every expression reflects both quality and intention.
Barry Haneberg is co-founder and distiller at Virago Spirits, where he leads production, blending and overall vision for the distillery’s rum and gin. With a background in history and a sharp, analytical approach, he brings intention to every step of the process, focusing on balance, character and the finer details that shape each spirit.
At Virago, Barry’s work is rooted in storytelling and a deep respect for tradition, while pushing boundaries within the category. His approach to rum in particular highlights both heritage and innovation, helping carve out a distinct identity for Virginia-made spirits and inviting people to experience something unexpected in the glass.
Peter Ahlf is the founder and distiller behind Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery, where he leads production across a range of spirits and ciders rooted in Virginia tradition. With a hands-on approach and a deep respect for historic methods, he focuses on crafting products that reflect both place and process, from grain to glass.
At Mt. Defiance, Peter’s work is driven by a passion for early American distilling practices and the agricultural heritage of the commonwealth. By reviving classic techniques and working closely with local ingredients, he continues to create spirits that honor Virginia’s past while bringing new life to its long-standing traditions.
Once the spirits and distillers were selected, the vision for the packaging was clear, it needed to be as meaningful as what was inside. Designed to reflect Virginia’s landscape, history and sense of place, illustrator Mark Todd was chosen for his ability to translate story into design. His concept centers on the James River, a defining force that has shaped the commonwealth for generations, flowing through the artwork to connect people, place and tradition, much like the spirits themselves.
Mark Todd, founder of M.C. Todd Design + Illustration, was raised in Suffolk, Virginia, where his early connection to creeks, beaches and local history continues to shape his creative perspective. His career took him from Richmond to Cleveland to California, working as an art director for leading advertising agencies and developing a strong foundation in storytelling through design. Now based in Norfolk, Mark brings that experience back to Virginia through illustration work that captures the commonwealth’s landscape, history and sense of place with a thoughtful, detail-driven approach.
To bring a project of this scale to life, we needed someone who could keep it all moving forward while making space for every voice at the table. From coordinating schedules with distillers across the state to organizing tastings and guiding thoughtful feedback, the project manager played a critical role in shaping both the process and the final result.
Eric Kozlik is a spirits consultant and founder of Direct Fire Consulting, where he works with distilleries to refine products, develop portfolios and bring structure to blending and production. Known for his analytical approach and deep understanding of flavor, he brings clarity and intention to every stage of the process.
He is also the host of The Modern Bar Cart Podcast, where he highlights the people and ideas shaping today’s spirits industry. Through both his consulting work and his platform, Eric brings a collaborative mindset and thoughtful perspective that helped guide this project from concept to completion.
