Virginia Spirits Month

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) is proud to partner with the Virginia Spirits Board and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) in celebrating September as Virginia Spirits Month.

In celebration of this special month, Virginia ABC and the Virginia Spirits Board present the Virginia Spirits Sale-A-Bration. This month-long sale features a 20% discount on more than 150 Virginia-made spirits, including bourbon, moonshine, gin, vodka and ready-to-drink cocktails.

This designation also recognizes the commonwealth’s rich history of spirits and spotlights more than 100 licensed distilleries that call the state home.

“Virginia-made spirits are earning national and global recognition,” said CEO Travis Hill. “Virginia ABC is proud to support the present and future of distilling in the commonwealth.”

Virginia is the Birthplace of American Spirits. In 1620, during the early Jamestown settlement days, George Thorpe – after being introduced to corn by the regional indigenous people – used the crop in place of barley to distill the first batch of American whiskey. George Washington, the first president of the United States, went on to become the biggest producer of Virginia whiskey during his time.

“Virginia distillers have a very close relationship with the state’s agricultural and forestry industries. From purchasing grains and fruits from local producers, providing spent mash to farmers for feed and fertilizer, to purchasing barrel wood components that originate from Virginia’s forests, these industries play an important role in the production of Virginia distilled spirits,” said VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie.

Virginia’s distilled spirits industry is a major contributor to the commonwealth’s economy. In 2017, the industry maintained nearly 1,500 full time jobs and had an economic impact of more than $163 million. Virginia distilleries have also become popular agritourism destinations as they attract thousands of visitors each year.

Virginia distillers source more than 70% of their ingredients from Virginia farms, including corn, wheat, barley, rye, potatoes and fruits. Distillers in the state also source finishing components such as new barrels and bottles or used cider, wine and beer barrels.

“We are proud to celebrate the Commonwealth’s rich history of spirits production during Virginia Spirits Month alongside Virginia ABC and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,” said Jack Gorman, executive director of the Virginia Spirits Board Marketing Office. “We are excited to spread the word about all of Virginia’s craft distillers and the quality products they make. As a bonus this year, the Virginia Spirits Board invites spirits fans to join in on the new Virginia Spirits Passport by checking in at each participating distillery they visit.”

For more information on Virginia Spirits Month and Virginia-made products, visit https://www.abc.virginia.gov/products/virginia-products.

Virginia ABC and our partners remind everyone to sip responsibly during Virginia Spirits Month.

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The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) is a major source of revenue for the commonwealth, contributing nearly $2.9 billion to the general fund in the last five years. Profits from in-store and online retail sales provide funding for designated state programs and services. Virginia ABC currently operates 399 state stores and provides alcohol education and prevention programs for people of all ages. Its Bureau of Law Enforcement oversees nearly 21,000 ABC licensed establishments. Now marking its 89th year, ABC remains committed to progress and innovation in carrying out its vision of bringing good spirits and excellent service to Virginia.

Web: www.abc.virginia.gov  Facebook: @VirginiaABC and @SpiritedVirginia  Instagram: @spiritedvirginia  Twitter: @VirginiaABC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virginiaabc