Whisky Time:

We’ve been keeping busy post-opening of the Visitors Center and the distillery. On the Visitors Center side, we’re currently planning our tour program, which will include a video and museum experience, as well as a walking tour of the production floor, a tasting in the cask house, and a flight of cocktails in the Visitors Center. Stay tuned as we look to launch tours in the spring. Andrew and his team have been working hard at the distillery, laying down casks to start them on their aging journey. The picture above shows Andrew pulling samples from a variety of different casks. We’ve been trialing the new spirit in a few different types to see the influence of the wood on color and flavor. Casks that once were full of bourbon will be our mainstay. This is a traditional approach to aging in Scotland, as the wood has been softened by the initial fill of bourbon. We call these ‘ex-bourbon’ barrels. The resulting whisky, after years of aging, will have delicate flavors weaved in through cask aging. We’ll keep you posted on progress. And last, but not least, our Virginia Highland Malt Whisky just rated 92 points by Wine Enthusiast! A few tasting notes included in the review: “…deep amber hue and a rich caramel and campfire-smoke profile, finishing dry and slightly hot, with sarsaparilla and lots of spice.” We agree, it’s delicious!

Upcoming Events:

Join us for the following events – some at the Visitors Center and others off-site. A Dram of Love: Love is in the air here at Virginia Distillery Co.! Join us this Saturday, February 13th from 11-5PM for our Dram of Love event featuring Gearharts Fine Chocolates who will be sampling a mini version of their decadent chocolate whisky truffle made with our Virginia Highland Malt. We will also be pairing a special Valentine’s whisky cocktail menu with Gearharts’ “Be Mayan” truffle made with chocolate, orange and cardamom. Whisky plus chocolate? Yes, please! The Bloom Trio will be performing live from 2-4PM and Spiked Food Truck will be on site from 11-5PM serving up their delicious booze-infused grub. Remember, Virginia is for Lovers and Lovingston is for single malt whisky! Thanks to January’s Snowzilla, we moved our Winter Whisky Fest to Saturday, February 27th. The Jon Spear band will be playing from 12PM – 4PM, and our friends at Northwest Salmon Ventures will be on-hand sampling their goodies. We’ll be open 11AM to 5PM so cozy up to the fire and relax with a flight as we take in the final moments of winter.

We will be at SMOKED! in Richmond on February 20th, but just found out this event is SOLD OUT. If you have a ticket be sure to stop by and say hi! Another great Richmond event will be happening on February 23rd from 5 to 7PM. Join us and the Rappahannock River Oyster Co. for a very special Whisky and Oysters party at Richmond’s hottest new oyster saloon, Rapp Session. We’ll be pouring samples of our Virginia Highland Malt Whisky. Chef Dylan Fultineer of Rappahannock has created a special menu of small bites for guests to sample at the bar which will include: Rappahannock’s award-winning oysters on the half shell, platter of smoked fish spreads, pickled sardines with Benton’s ham, and savory clam chowder shooters. A special cocktail made with our Virginia Highland Malt Whisky will be offered at the bar as well. This is a not-to-be missed event! The event is complimentary and is first-come, first-serve. Guests will receive a special take-home gift courtesy of Virginia Distillery Co. No purchase necessary.

Visit Us:

The Visitors Center is located at 299 Eades Lane in Lovingston, Virginia, about 35 miles south of Charlottesville off Route 29. We are open daily from 11AM to 5PM, except Sundays where we open at 11AM and close at 5PM. We are looking at expanding hours in March and will keep you posted! New menu changes coming up include the Highland Heart, made with lime, Luxardo cherry juice and a splash of cranberry juice, as well as the Caffeinated Kilt! This delicious coffee drink uses local Trager Bros. coffee, infused with brown sugar, vanilla bean, Virginia Highland Malt (of course!) and topped with vanilla bean whipped cream. Yum! Cheers and enjoy!