As the birthplace of American spirits, Virginia knows a thing or two about what it takes to craft exceptional liquor. Distillation methods have changed a bit since 1620, when George Thorpe unlocked the mash bill, or formula, that would create North America’s first whiskey, but that pioneering spirit lives on through today’s distilleries.
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the Virginia Spirits Board, in collaboration with the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, asked nine distillers from across the state to answer one question: What does Virginia taste like? The answer lies within a limited-edition trio of Botanical Gin, Aged Rum, and cask-strength Four Grain Whiskey.
Each bottle uniquely celebrates Virginia. The gin features top notes of native botanicals, including rose, pawpaw, sassafras, and sumac. The whiskey is a meticulous blend of 10 barrels from four different distillers, all made with Virginia-grown grains and fermented, distilled, and aged entirely within the state. In honor of Virginia’s historic ties to rum, some of the oldest rum barrels in the Commonwealth were sourced for its creation. The result is the Virginia Spirits 250th Celebration Trio Pack.
If you like your cocktails served with a side of history, be sure to check out this limited-time offering. Now available at select Virginia ABC stores for $124.99. VirginiaSpirits.org/VA250
This article originally appeared in the August 2026 issue.
