STATEWIDE — Governor Ralph Northam and officials with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) have declared September to be Virginia Spirits Month for the sixth year.
According to a press release, from Virginia ABC is credited as the birthplace of American spirits after the first batch of whisky was distilled in Jamestown in 1620. 401 years later the Commonwealth boasts more than 70 distilleries, including Williamsburg based producers, Copper Fox and 8 Shires.
The industry’s impact on the Old Dominion cannot be understated. Yearly, spirits bring in $163 million every year and employ more than 1,500 Virginians statewide. Not to mention, 70 percent of the grain used to produce the libations is grown on Virginia farms.
“Virginia-made spirits are recognized and celebrated nationally and globally as craft spirits have risen in popularity,” said Virginia ABC’s Chief Executive Officer Travis Hill. “We are proud to support a talented community of distillers here in the commonwealth.”
For a full list of products, and more information on Virginia distilleries, spirits and cocktail recipes, visit the ABC products website.
