Commonwealth Gin, James River Distillery
“It’s not your typical London dry gin,” says Kristi Croxton of Commonwealth Gin, the flagship product of James River Distillery, which Croxton founded with restaurateur Jonathan Staples and Flying Dog Brewery brewmaster Matt Brophy in early 2014. The distillery began production in May and released its first batch of gin for sale in August. While it incorporates traditional botanicals like juniper, coriander and cardamom, Commonwealth Gin is also infused with more unusual ingredients: fresh cantaloupe, ginger and, most notably, Amarillo and Cascade hops. Head distiller Dwight Chew has extensive brewing experience, so he is familiar with the power of hops—many tipplers may find the citrusy and floral punch they bring to the gin a refreshing departure. “I really knew I wanted to use hops in the recipe and make a traditionally-inspired but really unique American gin … I wanted to make a gin that I wanted to drink.” $33.90 per 750-milliliter bottle. JRDistillery.com
See all the Made in Virginia 2014 Winners!
Style
Nordt Family Farm, Charles City
Moonrise Jewelry, Cape Charles
Awl Snap Leather Goods, Richmond
Home
Moore & Giles, Forest
Cricket Cove Soap, Glen Allen
Buckingham Slate Company, Arvonia
New Ravenna, Exmore
Fielding Archer Designs, Midlothian
Kala Studios, Arlington
Food
Rappahannock River Oysters, Topping
Red Truck Bakery, Warrenton
Pickled Silly, Richmond
Glass House Winery, Free Union
Willie Byrd Sauce, Richmond
La Vache Microcreamery Caramels, Charlottesville
FERIDIES 5 O’Clock Crunch, Courtland
Drink
Three Ships Coffee, Virginia Beach
Commonwealth Gin, James River Distillery, Richmond
1762 Port, Philip Carter Winery, Hume
Gingerbread Stout, Hardywood Brewery, Richmond
Sport
Latell Sails, Deltaville
Tad Coffin Saddles, Ruckersville
Goodpasture Knives, Ashland