June 3, 2025

Meet the 2025 First Landing Cup Winners

Together, We Raise a Glass

It’s time to toast to the best of Virginia! The results are in for the inaugural First Landing Cup, a first-of-its-kind competition of distilled spirits made right here in the Old Dominion.

Last month, a world-class panel of judges came to Richmond, Virginia, to taste 108 craft spirits from 33 distilleries across the commonwealth. A total of 101 medals were awarded, recognizing exceptional flavor and craftsmanship.

Without further ado, let’s see which bottles rose to the top.

best in class Winners

Best of Show & Best in Class Whiskey

Virginia Distillery Company - Courage & Conviction Signature Malt

Best in Class Brandy

Old House Vineyards - Estate Brandy XO

Best in Class Rum

Three Crosses Distilling Company - Crossed Rifles Spiced Rum

Best in Class Vodka

MurLarkey Distilled Spirits - Papi's Salsa Borracha Vodka

Best in Class Specialty Spirit

Mt. Defiance Distillery - Mt. Defiance Absinthe Supérieure

Best in Class Gin

Highlands Distilling Company - Dragon Navy Strength Gin

The Gold Medalists

CAISEAL BEER & SPIRITS CO. –Caiseal Peated American Single Malt Whiskey
CATOCTIN CREEK –Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye
HIGHLANDS DISTILLING CO. –Dragon Navy Strength Gin
KO DISTILLING –KO Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey
KO DISTILLING –KO Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey
MT. DEFIANCE DISTILLERY –Mt. Defiance Absinthe Supérieure
MURLARKEY DISTILLED SPIRITS –Papi’s Salsa Borracha Vodka
MURLARKEY DISTILLED SPIRITS –MurLarkey ImaGination Gin
OLD HOUSE VINEYARDS – Estate Brandy XO
RAGGED BRANCH DISTILLERY –Ragged Branch Rye Whiskey
THREE CROSSES DISTILLING CO. –Crossed Rifles Spiced Rum
VIRAGO SPIRITS –Modern Gin with Oolong Tea
VIRGINIA DISTILLERY COMPANY –Courage & Conviction Signature Malt

The Gold Medal Spirits Trail

Find the Gold Medal Spirits Trail in the Virginia Spirits app and explore distilleries that earned Gold Medals in the annual First Landing Cup.

Follow the trail across the commonwealth to discover award-winning spirits, visit the distilleries behind them and taste some of the best the Birthplace of American Spirits has to offer.