top of page
Illustrative whisky decanter and glasses, not Virginia Distillery

Virginia Distillery Co.: American Single Malt in Lovingston, Virginia

2 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 14 hours ago

Virginia Distillery Co. makes American single malt whisky in Lovingston, Nelson County, in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. It describes itself as the most awarded American single malt distillery.


In this guide




Virginia Distillery Co. at a glance


Distillery fact

Verified detail

Distillery / brand

Virginia Distillery Co.

Country and region

Virginia, United States

Owner / operator

Virginia Distillery Company

Historical background

Master of Malt and Whiskybase record that the distillery was founded in 2011 by George G. Moore. The official Courage & Conviction story page describes him as a native Irishman who came to…

Whisky identity

Blue Ridge American single malt whisky

Visitor planning

Check the producer's official site for current tours and operating hours.


Join the Virginia Distillery Co. whisky community poll


Which whiskies have you tried? What should Whisky Clan review next? Open the highlighted poll below, answer four quick questions and share your preferences with the community.


Answer four quick questions to see real reader percentages. No account or email is required.


At a glance


  • Location: 299 Eades Lane, Lovingston, Virginia 22949

  • Founded: 2011 by George G. Moore, a native of Ireland

  • Style: American single malt, made with Scottish copper pot stills

  • Core strength: 46% ABV (92 proof), per the official footer

  • Second brand: Courage & Conviction


The story


Master of Malt and Whiskybase record that the distillery was founded in 2011 by George G. Moore. The official Courage & Conviction story page describes him as a native Irishman who came to the US in the 1970s and held a deep passion for single malt whisky and his adopted home in Virginia.


The Virginia Spirits trade body says the company is now run by his son, Gareth Moore, and is committed to defining and elevating the American single malt category. Another 2026 review names a different person as CEO, so current leadership should be checked.


The official site says its single malt is America's most awarded and shows IWSC and Wine Enthusiast award badges. The company also runs the American Single Malt Academy, an education project.


The people


  • George G. Moore: founder, an Irish born tech retiree who settled in Virginia

  • Gareth Moore: George's son, described by Virginia Spirits as running the company

  • Current chief executive and master distiller: not confirmed


The range


The official site lists a core range, the Brewer's Coalition series, single casks and the Courage & Conviction brand. Individual bottlings and ABVs other than 46% were not read.


  • Core range of American single malt

  • Brewer's Coalition releases

  • Single cask releases

  • Courage & Conviction: a separate brand run by the company


Visiting


  • Tours and tastings can be booked at the Virginia visitors center in Lovingston.

  • The company also hosts events. Prices and hours were not read.


American single malt in the Blue Ridge


Virginia Distillery Co. describes itself as the most awarded single malt whisky distillery in America, crafted in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. That is the distillery's own claim. Its site highlights an IWSC score of 98 points and a 96 point Wine Enthusiast rating among its awards.


  • Visitors: tours and tastings at its Virginia Visitors Center

  • Education: an American Single Malt explainer and an American Single Malt Academy

  • Sister brand: Courage and Conviction

  • Events: hosted at the visitors center and beyond


Frequently asked questions


Who founded Virginia Distillery Co.?


George G. Moore, an Irish born entrepreneur, in 2011.


How is the whisky made?


The official process page describes barley malted in the Midwest, a 1920s Boby Mill, two Scottish made copper pot stills, a spirit safe, and cask houses holding up to 5,000 casks each.


Is it a Scotch?


No. It is American single malt, made in Virginia.


What ABV is the core whisky?


46% ABV (92 proof), according to the official site footer.


Sources and gaps


Sources read on 20 October 2026: vadistillery.com home and Our Process pages; search results from courageandconviction.com, virginiaspirits.org, Master of Malt, Whiskybase and a Whisky For Everyone review.


Further source read on 21 October 2026: vadistillery.com home page.


What makes Virginia Distillery Co. distinctive?


Blue Ridge American single malt whisky


Virginia Distillery Co. whisky bottle and expression comparison


Bottle / expression

Age

ABV

Cask maturation / notes

Courage & Conviction Single Malt

NAS / release dependent

Check bottle

Blue Ridge American single malt whisky

Virginia Distillery Co. Brewer's Coalition

NAS / release dependent

Check bottle

Blue Ridge American single malt whisky


The table records named or historical expressions. Exact availability, strength and provenance can change; consult the producer for current details.


Explore related distilleries



Frequently asked questions about Virginia Distillery Co.


Virginia, United States.


Virginia Distillery Company.


Blue Ridge American single malt whisky.


Courage & Conviction Single Malt, Virginia Distillery Co. Brewer's Coalition. Availability varies.


Check the producer's current tour and booking information; not all sites are open to visitors.


Sources and editorial notes


The original research and reference links have been retained. Current ownership, prices, operating status and visitor arrangements should be reconfirmed.


Image note: the cover is an illustrative whisky photograph from the Whisky Clan media library, not a photograph of this distillery or its products.


Help us improve this distillery guide


Know something we should add or correct about Virginia Distillery Co.? Share verified facts, bottle releases, awards or useful sources using the form below. Newsletter subscription is optional.



If the embedded form does not display, Open the contribution form in a new tab.


About the author


Filip Janczak, Whisky Clan author

Filip Janczak

Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides.

View Filip Janczak's author profile

Comments


bottom of page