Did you know that Virginia’s history with distilling stretches back more than 400 years? Although other states like Kentucky are more well known for their spirit production, Virginia's distilling history makes it one of the more fascinating parts of our state's history.
The History of Distilling in Virginia
When the colonists first arrived in Virginia, finding safe drinking water was tough, especially near the coast where they settled. But beer and liquor? Those were not only safe but way more fun to drink! Ships arriving at Jamestown brought essentials like beer and spirits (known back then as “aquavitae”). Before long, the colonists set up stills and brought in skilled brewers to make sure the drinks kept flowing.
It all started in 1620 when Captain George Thorpe created the first batch of American whiskey using corn instead of traditional barley. This was a game-changer, and Virginia quickly became one of the birthplaces of American distilling. By the late 1700s, George Washington himself took an interest in distilling, setting up one of the largest whiskey distilleries in the country at Mount Vernon. He was so successful that his operation produced over 11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799, just before he passed.
In a letter to John Smyth from 1620, Thorpe shared how they’d figured out a way to make a tasty drink from Indian corn that he preferred over strong English beer. Thorpe said: “We have found a way to make some good drink of Indian corn … [even better than] good strong English beer,” or, in Thorpe’s direct words, “Wee haue found a waie to make soe good drinke of Indian corne as I ptest I haue diuerse times refused to drinke good stronge Englishe beare and chosen to drinke that.”
Based on the clues – Thorpe was already a distiller back in the Old World and he owned a copper still – it’s pretty likely that the “good drink” he made was whiskey. Since it was made from "Indian corn," there's a good chance it was an early version of what we now know as bourbon or moonshine.
Our Founding Father, Who Art Making Whiskey
Back in 1797, George Washington decided to try his hand at distilling and ended up running the largest whiskey distillery in the country. While most distilleries at the time used one or two stills for just a month out of the year, Washington had five copper pot stills working year-round at his Mount Vernon plantation. In 1799, they cranked out nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey—worth around $120,000 in today’s dollars. For comparison, the average Virginia distillery only made about 650 gallons annually.
Washington’s distillery wasn’t just about whiskey either. They produced rye whiskey, wheat whiskey, and even flavored varieties like cinnamon and persimmon, along with apple and peach brandies. Nowadays, you can tour the historic site and even snag a bottle of whiskey or brandy made just like it was in the 18th century.
No One Liked Prohibition. Especially Virginians
When Prohibition hit Virginia early on November 1, 1916—years before the rest of the nation—many folks in the state, especially in Southwest Virginia, got creative. Enter: moonshine. Franklin County became the "Moonshine Capital of the World," with locals resisting the ban by making and distributing whiskey in secret, often under the cover of night, which is where the name “moonshine” came from.
Moonshining wasn’t just about rebellion; for many rural Virginians, it was a much-needed source of income. Moving corn wasn’t easy, but turning it into whiskey made it a lot more efficient to transport. With the new restrictions, distillers had to get clever. They souped-up their cars with heavy-duty shocks to keep the jars from breaking, boosted their horsepower for high-speed getaways, and even added tricks like flipping license plates and cutting off taillights to avoid detection by federal agents.
These "stock" cars may have been built for bootlegging, but once Prohibition ended, they helped spark a whole new craze: NASCAR. That’s right—moonshining wasn’t just a key part of Virginia’s history, but it also gave rise to one of America’s favorite sports.
The Spirits of Prince William
Did we spook ya? We didn't mean to! There's nothing scary about the spirits being produced in Prince William, Virginia other than how delicious they are!
KO Distilling
KO Distilling in Manassas, Virginia, is a local gem that started as a dream between two college friends, Bill and John. What began as a conversation over drinks turned into a fully operational distillery in 2015. They now produce award-winning spirits, from whiskey to gin, all made right here in Virginia. KO prides itself on using local grains and high-quality ingredients, which you can taste in every sip. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or just curious to see how the magic happens, KO Distilling offers tours, tastings, and a chance to learn about the art of crafting great spirits. It’s a must-visit spot if you’re in the area!
Address: 10381 Central Park Drive, Suite 105 Manassas, VA 20110
MurLarkey Distilled Spirits
With just a 23-gallon copper still and a big dream, second-generation Irish-American cousins Tom Murray, Mike, and Jim Larkin teamed up with family and friends to create something special. They used their unique skills and backgrounds to craft high-quality, small-batch spirits. Today, MurLarkey is all about celebrating Irish heritage and passion, delivering perfectly distilled spirits with a touch of pride and a whole lot of cheer.
Address: 7961 Gainsford Ct., Bristow, VA 20136
Watch a video on the story of MurLarkey here!
Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just starting to explore, these local distilleries offer a taste of Virginia’s passion and creativity. So, the next time you’re in the area, make sure to raise a glass and savor the spirit of Virginia. Cheers to discovering new favorites and supporting local craftsmanship!