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:

• WINNER: Christa Marie Thomas, The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa – “Cardinal Rose,” featuring Brady’s Prohibition Gin, Aperol, strawberry rose syrup, lemon juice, saline.
• Shannon Dunbar-Wilson, The Barrelhouse at Sandy River Distillery – “Platform 9 ¾,” featuring Vitae Gold Rum, Chambord, Cointreau, local espresso cold brew, pineapple juice, Lapsang Souchong and sea salt syrup, chocolate bitters, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth.
• Ken Howe, Wang Jiang Lou – “Coastal Reverie,” featuring Chesapeake Bay Distillery Chics Beach Rum, Tarnished Truth Old Cavalier Bourbon Cream, mixed berry fassionola, potato and soy orgeat.
• Dan Kurzenknabe, Vault & Cellar – “Hollow Folk,” featuring Belmont Farms 10 Yr Cask Strength Bourbon, Amaro Averna, peach syrup. 
• Zoey Blankenship, The Palisades Restaurant – “Last Elixir,” featuring J.H. Bards Rye Whiskey, ginger-jalapeno syrup, cinnamon-apple shrub, fresh lemon juice, cocoa bitters.

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. Nearly a dozen Virginia distilleries poured samples of their signature spirits, offering bottles for purchase at a special 20% discount. A concierge service kept purchases safe until departure, so hands were free for sipping.

New this year: attendees who visited all 11 distilleries could redeem their stamped cards for a turn at the prize wheel filled with chances to win 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!