Where history, craftsmanship and innovation come together in every bottle.
Across the most respected spirits competitions in the world, including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, New York International Spirits Competition, the International Whisky Competition, the ADI International Spirits Competition and more, Virginia distilleries consistently earn Gold, Double Gold, Best-in-Class and “Distillery of the Year” honors.
From single malt to bourbon, vodka, gin and specialty spirits, Virginia producers hold their own on the same stages where industry giants from Kentucky and Tennessee compete. These wins reflect a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and grain-to-glass excellence that continues to elevate Virginia’s place in the national spirits landscape.
Founded by the Haneberg family in Richmond, Virago Spirits has built a reputation for crafting distinctive, globally inspired spirits with a bold Virginia identity. Its award-winning portfolio includes modern and barrel-aged gins, botanical spirits and rums, including its First Landing Cup-honored Modern Gin with Oolong Tea. Visitors can enjoy tastings, handcrafted cocktails and an inviting look at the creativity and craftsmanship behind one of Richmond’s standout distilleries.
Created by Amanda of Mas Tapas, this autumnal cocktail blends Virginia Distillery Co. Cider Cask Finished Whisky with Laird’s Old Apple Brandy Aged 7.5 Years, fresh apple cider, lemon, honey and thyme. Turkish tobacco bitters add smoky depth, while a Cabernet Franc float delivers a sophisticated, fruit-forward finish.
Virginia’s story has long been shaped by distilled spirits. In 1620, colonist George Thorpe produced what is widely considered the first batch of corn whiskey in America. From that early beginning, Virginia’s distilling industry grew rapidly, with nearly 3,600 distilleries operating across the commonwealth by 1810.
More than 400 years later, and despite the setbacks of Prohibition, Virginia distillers continue to carry that legacy forward. Across the commonwealth, today’s producers honor the family traditions, time-honored recipes and pioneering spirit that have defined Virginia-made spirits for generations.
Stay in the know with Virginia Spirits. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest distillery news, new releases, events and exclusive Virginia Spirits stories delivered straight to your inbox.
