Virginia Distillery Company to Launch The Virginia Whisky Experience

Guided tour will offer visitors the opportunity to learn about whisky distilling process, history in Commonwealth.

Thirsty for more whisky knowledge? Virginia Distillery Company plans to launch The Virginia Whisky Experience on June 11th,2016, a one-of-a-kind tour program that includes an interactive museum and video experience.

The 1,000 square foot museum space houses vintage distilling equipment, informative panels and will feature an original video that highlights the origins of single malt whisky in Scotland and how whisky making was brought to Virginia during the Great Migration. The video also showcases Central Virginia’s seasonal maturation climate which, along with its many fresh flowing water sources, makes it ideal for making whisky. These factors, along with the natural beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, reflect Virginia Distillery Company’s choice to make Nelson County its home.

“The team is excited to launch our tour program, which will offer a one-of-a-kind interactive experience right here in Nelson County. We’re inserting modern methods into time-honored whisky making traditions and we look forward to showing our guests a behind the scenes look at our distilling process.”
– Maggie Moore, Chief Experience Officer of Virginia Distillery Company.

In addition to a guided museum tour, while taking in the sights and smells of Virginia single malt whisky-making in action, tour-goers will have the chance to enjoy a special behind-the-scenes walking tour of Virginia Distillery Company’s state-of-the-art distillery. Tours will culminate in the cask house with a special tasting of our award winning Virginia Highland Malt Whisky as well as a cocktail sampling in the Visitors Center.

Tours are offered daily and each tour will take approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. The tours, which will be led by trained Whisky Experience Guides, will be available:

• Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.
• Sunday at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The cost for a tour will be $18 – $24 per person depending on the tastings selected. Designated drivers and children aged 12 and up can take the tour for $12 with no tastings included.

Virginia Distillery Company partnered with several local vendors on the development of the museum, including Thayer Design, ID Company and McBride Signs.

The Virginia Whisky Experience launches alongside a new 2,000 ft. patio installation. The patio area seats approximately 50 people and includes a unique water and fire fountain as well as a band stand, making it an ideal spot for private gatherings or lazing on a summer afternoon. EDGE Design served as the construction partner for the patio.

Virginia Distillery Company’s flagship Virginia Highland Malt arrives as a malt whisky from the Scottish Highlands and is finished in Virginia port-style wine casks for an additional six to twelve months. The process creates a nuanced profile that boasts notes of rich dried fruit, toffee and dark cocoa. The Virginia Highland Malt is available throughout Virginia, Washington D.C., New York and Massachusetts and can be purchased online. The 750ml bottles retail for $57.49 plus tax.

For more information, visit the distillery’s website at VADistillery.com.