Virginia likes its booze. The commonwealth’s alcohol authority says gross revenues hit $1.4 billion in 2022. While the vineyards and breweries tend to get a lot of attention, don’t forget to raise a glass for Virginia’s distilleries too.
From gins to whiskeys and everything in between, they showcase the artistry and passion that go into producing premium, award-winning spirits.
Here are Northern Virginia’s local distilleries and where to find them.
Culpeper County
You might recognize Belmont Farms from Discovery’s Moonshiners. Well, now you can see it in person and get your hands on a bottle of award-winning whiskey. The distillery says its secret is its copper pot still. 13490 Cedar Run Rd., Culpeper
Old House’s distillery offers spirits to raise your own and a World War II museum, which is a heck of a combo. Keep scurvy at bay with its Grog. Have some coffee with a (rum) kick. And enjoy Dude Spirit, a vodka inspired “by the character, integrity, and all around ‘badassness’ of our armed forces.” 18351 Corkys Ln., Culpeper
Fairfax County
As we’ve covered before, Lost Whiskey Club is a bit of a hidden gem. And if you want to stay on its 50-acre retreat, there are a few hoops you’ll need to jump through. But you can always pick up a bottle at its Merrifield warehouse: 2811 Merrilee Dr., Ste. D, Fairfax
Mount Vernon isn’t just a historic landmark with gorgeous grounds and the home of George Washington, it’s also home to his whiskey, which is the real reason we’re here. A faithfully reconstructed working distillery produces small batch spirits on site and is open to visitors from April to October. 5514 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria
Orkney Springs makes its spirits from, you guessed it, mountain spring water from the Orkney Spring. You can make reservations for tastings and sample its award-winning vodka. 7701 Southern Dr., Ste. R, Unit A1, Springfield
Loudoun County
Catoctin Creek Distilling Company
Founded in 2009 by Becky and Scott Harris, Catoctin Creek was Loudoun County’s first legal distillery since before Prohibition. It’s also the home of the award-winning Roundstone Rye. Tours and tastings are available, of course. 120 W. Main St., Purcellville
Flying Ace doesn’t do one thing — it does a bunch. It says it’s Loudoun County’s first farm distillery and brewery. It has bourbon, beer, and BBQ … and whiskey and rum. Plus, mountain views and live music. 40950 Flying Ace Ln., Lovettsville
Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery
Mt. Defiance makes both cider and boozes including absinthe, agave spirits, brandy, gin, rum, and whiskey. The distillery welcomes guests for tours and tastings. The cidery is just outside Middleburg, if you’re an apple fan. 207 W. Washington St., Middleburg
Manassas
Falls Church Distillers was founded by the Paluzzi family and is inspired by their Italian heritage. The distillery welcomes visitors to enjoy its libations. It’s a federally recognized veteran-owned business and even has a chemist on board. 8420 Kao Cir., Manassas
Founded by two lifelong friends after successful careers in the defense industry, KO Distilling offers its own distinct whiskeys and gins. It’s hard to forget a name like Bare Knuckle American Wheat Whiskey. KO is happy to give tours and tastings at its state-of-the-art distillery. 10381 Central Park Dr., Ste. 105, Manassas
Prince William County
MurLarkey makes award-winning 100 percent farm-to-flask spirits and pulls from the Irish heritage of its founders. That includes bourbon, gin, vodka, and, of course, whiskey — lots and lots of whiskey with flavors running from traditional to banana. 7961 Gainsford Ct., Bristow
Rappahannock County
Copper Fox Distillery is all about burning wood and creating an American Single Malt Whisky. It uses locally grown grains, floor malt barley, and smokes it with fruitwoods instead of peat. Take a tour and a taste. 9 River Ln., Sperryville
Spotsylvania
A. Smith Bowman boasts that it’s the oldest and most esteemed distillery in Fredericksburg. Tours and tastings are available, plus you can learn about how it distills, barrels, and bottles its booze. 1 Bowman Dr., Fredericksburg
Featured photo courtesy Mount Vernon
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