Meet the 2025 First Landing Cup Winners
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 […]
Virginia Spirits 101: Brandy
Gin, moonshine, brandy, vodka and whiskey. While these are all some of the top-produced spirits in Virginia, one of these is not like the other.
Traditionally speaking, distilled spirits come from the mashing and fermentation of grains. Brandy, on the other hand, comes from distilling fruit juice or wine. In fact, the name comes from the Dutch word “brandewijn,” which means “burnt wine.” […]
Virginia Spirits 101: Gin
Maybe you’ve wondered why there isn’t an abundance of Virginia “tequila” filling up the shelves at Virginia ABC stores near you. At the end of the day, the spirits we know as “tequila” can only be produced in Mexico. The legal definition just doesn’t allow for an entirely local, Virginia tequila. Dating back to 1974, […]
Virginia Spirits 101: Bourbon
So, we’ve already shared a deep dive on whiskey in the commonwealth (read it here), but what about just bourbon? Maybe you’re a connoisseur and don’t need the play-by-play, but if you’re a casual sipper or just curious, here’s what you need to know. Whiskey is the top produced spirit in Virginia with just about […]
Virginia Spirits 101: Vodka
Maybe you’ve wondered why there isn’t an abundance of Virginia “tequila” filling up the shelves at Virginia ABC stores near you. At the end of the day, the spirits we know as “tequila” can only be produced in Mexico. The legal definition just doesn’t allow for an entirely local, Virginia tequila. Dating back to 1974, […]
Virginia Spirits 101: Rum
Maybe you’ve wondered why there isn’t an abundance of Virginia “tequila” filling up the shelves at Virginia ABC stores near you. At the end of the day, the spirits we know as “tequila” can only be produced in Mexico. The legal definition just doesn’t allow for an entirely local, Virginia tequila. Dating back to 1974, […]
Virginia Spirits 101: Agave Spirits
Maybe you’ve wondered why there isn’t an abundance of Virginia “tequila” filling up the shelves at Virginia ABC stores near you. At the end of the day, the spirits we know as “tequila” can only be produced in Mexico. The legal definition just doesn’t allow for an entirely local, Virginia tequila. Dating back to 1974, […]
Virginia Spirits Raise The “Bar”
By Patrick Evans-Hylton There’s always been a place where Virginians could gather and enjoy a drink or two. But in our 400-plus year history, the bar (if you will pardon the pun) has been raised. Taverns were well established in England prior to colonists coming to Virginia, so it makes sense that they would become part […]
Virginia Spirits 101: Moonshine
There’s something seductive about Virginia moonshine, the original American spirit. Perhaps it’s the long history, dating back to just years after the First Landing of English settlers in Virginia. Maybe it’s the fact that people have taken up arms in defense and opposition to it. It might be that traditionally it was crafted and moved […]
A Spirited Travel Guide: Central Virginia – Part Two
Ready for a weekend filled with endless exploration and rich culture, all while stopping by to try award-winning spirits at some of Virginia’s best craft distilleries? If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve done the research for you – here’s your guide to a “spirited” adventure in Central Virginia. Scroll for a complete list […]