New Era of Virginia Spirits: What the July 1 Changes Mean for Virginia Distillery Visitors
Virginia’s tasting room experience is evolving! If you’re planning a visit to a Virginia distillery, there’s exciting news. Beginning July 1, 2026, Virginia law allows distilleries to offer expanded tasting and cocktail experiences by increasing the daily on-site consumption limit from 3 ounces to 6 ounces per guest. For visitors, that means more opportunities to […]
The VA250 Four-Grain-Whiskey: A Cask-Strength Portrait of Virginia Whiskey
Presenting: The VA250 Commemorative Whiskey 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 world-class distillers. The whiskeys used to build this historic dram include: 35% 5-year-old bourbon (55-C/35-W/10-M) from Ironclad […]
The VA250 Gin – A Botanical Exploration of Virginia
Presenting: The VA250 Commemorative Gin The VA250 gin is built on a traditional “London dry” profile. Juniper forward, there also are notes of 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 […]
A Unifying Moment for Virginia Spirits
Something important is happening behind the scenes of your favorite Virginia distilleries. Earlier this month, distillers from across the commonwealth gathered for the first Virginia Spirits Summit & Conference. While it may sound like an industry event, the conversations and collaborations that happened will directly shape what ends up in your glass and how Virginia […]
A Love Letter to Virginia Spirits
Dear Virginia Spirits, We didn’t fall in love all at once. It started with a sip. Poured around a campfire in the mountains or in the kitchen of a neighbor’s house. Or maybe it began with a spontaneous visit to the distillery down the road. A shared flight. A friendly debate over new favorites. A […]
Pick Your Team: Virginia-Made Super Bowl Cocktails
Patriots or Seahawks? When the Patriots and Seahawks face off on Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 8, 2026), the contrast couldn’t be clearer. One side brings legacy, precision and polish. The other delivers bold plays, relentless defense and unmatched energy. No matter who you’re rooting for, your game-day drinks should match the moment. From bright, confident […]
Pitcher Perfect Holidays: Easy Winter Cocktails for a Crowd
Holiday Hosting Made Easy with Virginia Spirits There’s nothing quite like gathering with friends or family during the holidays, and having a big batch of a delicious cocktail ready to go makes entertaining a breeze. Using Virginia-made spirits adds a special touch, letting guests toast the season with a local pour. Whether you’re hosting a […]
Thanksgiving Pairings with Virginia Spirits
Where Local Flavor Meets Thanksgiving Tradition There’s something special about Thanksgiving in Virginia — the crisp air, the bounty of local harvests and the warmth of family gathered around the table. It’s a time to celebrate everything we’re thankful for, from the farmers who grow our grains to the distillers who turn them into world-class […]
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 101: American Single Malt
So, we’ve talked about Virginia’s top produced spirit: whiskey – we’ve even done a deep dive into bourbon, a whiskey made with at least 51 percent corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels – but we’ve only just alluded to the new and exciting category of American Single Malt. A spirit that has developed […]