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.
