Friday 5/16/25 4pm-7pm

Virginia Distillery Co.: History & Highlights

Located in Lovingston, Virginia, Virginia Distillery Co. specializes in American Single Malt whisky, crafted using traditional methods with a focus on quality ingredients. The distillery was founded on the principle of “Have the courage of your convictions,” a saying often repeated by its founder, George Moore.

Virginia Distillery Co. is known for its meticulous maturation process, using a variety of cask finishes to enhance complexity. The distillery is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the climate plays a crucial role in whisky aging.

Tasting Notes

Virginia Distillery American Single Malt Cider Cask Finish – A unique whisky finished in cider casks.Nose: Crisp apple, honey, and baking spices.
Palate: Light-bodied with notes of pear, vanilla, and subtle oak.
Finish: Refreshing with lingering fruit and spice.

Courage & Conviction American Single Malt Whisky – The flagship expression of the Courage & Conviction line.Nose: Caramel, toasted oak, and citrus zest.
Palate: Balanced with vanilla, malt, and gentle spice.
Finish: Smooth and warming with a touch of sweetness.

Courage & Conviction Sherry Cask – A rich and nuanced whisky aged in sherry casks.Nose: Dried fruit, dark chocolate, and nutmeg.
Palate: Full-bodied with notes of fig, caramel, and spice.
Finish: Long and velvety with hints of oak and raisin.

Courage & Conviction Cuvee Cask – A bold whisky finished in European red wine casks.Nose: Dark berries, vanilla, and toasted oak.
Palate: Complex with layers of cherry, spice, and cocoa.
Finish: Lingering warmth with structured tannins.

Courage & Conviction Double Cask Reserve – A refined blend of multiple cask influences.Nose: Deep caramel, toasted nuts, and spice.
Palate: Rich and smooth with notes of toffee, dried fruit, and oak.
Finish: Long and elegant with balanced complexity.

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025  

Time: 2 PM – 6 PM  

Sip into Summer: Free Tasting Event Featuring Holla Seltzers!

Looking for the perfect way to kick off the warm weather? Join us for a free tasting event featuring the refreshing and bold flavors of Holla Seltzers! Whether you're a seasoned seltzer enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of craft beverages, this tasting is the perfect opportunity to explore Orange Crush and Watermelon Crush—two vibrant flavors that capture the essence of summer.

About Holla Seltzers

Holla Seltzers is known for its innovative approach to hard seltzers, crafting bold and refreshing flavors that stand out in a crowded market. With a commitment to quality ingredients and unique flavor profiles, Holla has quickly gained a reputation for delivering crisp, clean, and exciting beverages.

Featured Flavors

🍊 Orange Crush – Inspired by the classic beachside cocktail, this seltzer bursts with bright citrus notes, offering a perfect balance of sweet orange and zesty tang. Light, refreshing, and effortlessly drinkable, it’s the ultimate companion for sunny afternoons.

🍉 Watermelon Crush – A juicy and vibrant twist on traditional seltzers, Watermelon Crush delivers ripe watermelon sweetness with a crisp, clean finish. It’s the perfect sip for those who love fruity, refreshing flavors with a hint of summer nostalgia.

Join Us for the Free Tasting!

Come experience these deliciously crafted seltzers for yourself! Whether you're looking for your next go-to drink or simply want to enjoy a fun tasting experience, this event is the perfect way to discover what makes Holla Seltzers stand out.

Don’t miss out—bring your friends, sip, and savor the flavors of summer! 🌞🍹

🛍️ May Tastings at Spirit Shop of Annapolis! 🛍️

Get ready for a month packed with FREE tastings every Friday (4-7pm) & Saturday (2-6pm)! 🍷🥃

🍾 Tasting Lineup Highlights:
Every weekend, enjoy a rotating selection of amazing spirits, wines, and seltzers!

• Kick things off 5/2 with a Rum Tasting featuring Planteray, Lyon, Bacardi Black, & Canerock Spiced.
• Sample standout whiskeys and gin from McClintock Distillery on 5/3.
• Explore award-winning Virginia Distillery whiskeys on 5/16.
• Try Tanteo Tequilas' bold flavors on 5/30.
• Don't miss the exclusive Old Line American Single Malt Sherry Cask Finish Whiskey on 5/31!

🛍️ May Specials! 🛍️

Get ready for a month packed with incredible deals and FREE tastings every Friday (4-7pm) & Saturday (2-6pm)! 🍷🥃

✨ May Monday Madness: $5 off all purchases over $50!

🔥 Featured Specials:

• Deep Eddy 1L Bottles – $5 off
• 1800 375ml Reposado & Cristalino – $5 off
• Bombay Sapphire – $5 off
• Glenfiddich 12 yr – $10 off
• Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella – $5 off
• Elk Cove Pinot Gris & Pinot Blanc – $5 off
• Buscando Garnacha - $5 off

📢 Don’t forget – our prices ALWAYS include tax, and delivery is available!

McClintock Distilling

• History & Distillery Notes: Located in Frederick, Maryland, McClintock Distilling is an award-winning organic distillery known for its commitment to sustainability and traditional distilling methods. Founded by Braeden Bumpers and Tyler Hegamyer, the distillery is named after McClintock Young, a 19th-century inventor from Frederick. It specializes in pre-Prohibition-style spirits, using organic, non-GMO grains and a stone burr mill to preserve the integrity of its ingredients.

Forager Gin

• Description: A vapor-infused gin inspired by native Appalachian herbs, Forager Gin is crafted with a unique blend of botanicals, including juniper, hibiscus, honeysuckle, and chicory root.
• Tasting Notes: Aromatic juniper on the nose, followed by citrus and floral notes. The palate is earthy and complex, with hints of cardamom, fennel, and rose hips, finishing with a sweet and herbal depth.

Reserve Gin

• Description: Aged in French Oak Cognac barrels, McClintock’s Reserve Gin is a refined, sipping gin with a distinct barrel influence.
• Tasting Notes: The nose presents roasted fruit cake, juniper, raisins, and dried apricot. The palate transitions from anise and fennel to oak, stewed plums, and spiced citrus rind, finishing with toasted wood and a touch of astringency.

Bootjack Rye Whiskey

• Description: A high-rye, wheated whiskey, Bootjack Rye is crafted with 75% Abruzzi rye, 20% Red Fife wheat, and 5% Yellow King corn, aged for two years in medium-char barrels.
• Tasting Notes: The nose features white pepper, clove, and blackberry, with a unique fresh coconut note. The palate is sweet and spicy, showcasing clove candies, mixed berry jam, and warm banana bread, finishing with a syrupy mouthfeel.

Matchstick Bourbon

• Description: A wheated, rye-finished bourbon, Matchstick Bourbon is made with 51% Yellow King and Gem Glass corn, 30% Red Fife wheat, and 19% Abruzzi rye, aged for 2.5 years.
• Tasting Notes: The nose offers woodshop, candy apple, and pie spice, while the palate is creamy and balanced, featuring black pepper, toasted wood, and fire-roasted marshmallow on the finish.

Friday, May 9th 2025, 4PM to 7PM

Catoctin Creek Distillery: History & Highlights

Founded in 2009 by Scott and Rebecca Harris, Catoctin Creek Distillery is the first legal distillery in Loudoun County, Virginiasince Prohibition. The distillery is known for its commitment to organic and kosher spirits, using local fruit, organic grain, and Virginia wine in its production.

Catoctin Creek operates out of the historic Case Building in Purcellville, Virginia, which was renovated to house the distillery in 2012. The facility is solar-powered, offsetting about 80% of its electricity needs with a 44kW solar array.

The distillery has gained recognition for its rye whiskey, brandy, and gin, maintaining traditional methods while embracing innovation. In 2023, the company re-purchased shares from Constellation Brands, returning to full independent ownership under its founders.

Tasting Notes:

1. Old Tom Gin – A slightly sweetened gin with a rich botanical profile.

o Nose: Juniper-forward with hints of citrus and spice.

o Palate: Smooth and slightly malty, with floral and herbal undertones.

o Finish: Lightly sweet with lingering spice.

2. 1757 Virginia Brandy – A refined brandy crafted from Virginia wine.

o Nose: Ripe stone fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak.

o Palate: Velvety texture with notes of caramel, dried apricot, and baking spices.

o Finish: Long and warming with subtle nuttiness.

3. Hot Honey Rye – A bold rye whiskey infused with honey and spice.

o Nose: Sweet honey, cinnamon, and rye spice.

o Palate: Rich and spicy with balanced sweetness, featuring clove and caramel.

o Finish: Warm and lingering with a touch of heat.

4. Roundstone Rye – The flagship rye whiskey of Catoctin Creek.

o Nose: Deep caramel, toasted oak, and baking spices.

o Palate: Full-bodied with notes of toffee, nutmeg, and dark fruit.

o Finish: Long and smooth with a hint of smokiness.

Saturday May 10th 

2pm-6pm 

Bring Mom for a tasting and grab a bottle. Forgot to get a gift? Give us the wink/nod and we will go along with the this was the gift all along routine!

Featured Vineyard's

Chalone Vineyard

Founded in 1919 by French immigrant Charles L. Tamm, Chalone Vineyard is the oldest producing vineyard in Monterey County. Tamm sought limestone-rich soil similar to Burgundy and found it in the Gavilan benchland. Chalone gained international recognition when its 1974 Chardonnay placed third in the legendary Judgment of Paris wine competition.

Dry Creek Vineyard

Established in 1972, Dry Creek Vineyard is a family-owned winery in Sonoma County. The Dry Creek Valley has a 140-year history of wine production, with Zinfandel being its signature grape. The vineyard was instrumental in reviving Sauvignon Blanc in California and remains known for its terroir-driven wines.

Zenato Winery

Founded in the 1960s by Sergio Zenato, this Italian winery is renowned for its Valpolicella and Amarone wines. The Ripassa Valpolicella is made using the Ripasso method, where Valpolicella wine is passed over the Amarone pomace, resulting in a richer, more complex wine.

Tasting Order

1. Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc – A crisp and refreshing white wine.Nose: Bright citrus, green apple, and fresh-cut grass.
   Palate: Zesty acidity with tropical fruit and minerality.
   Finish: Clean and vibrant.
   
2. Chalone Chardonnay – A rich and elegant Chardonnay.Nose: Ripe pear, vanilla, and toasted oak.
   Palate: Creamy texture with notes of lemon curd, butter, and spice.
   Finish: Long and smooth with balanced acidity.
   
3. Dry Creek Zinfandel – A bold and fruit-forward red wine.Nose: Blackberry, plum, and black pepper.
   Palate: Full-bodied with jammy fruit, spice, and oak.
   Finish: Lingering warmth with structured tannins.
   
4. Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella – A refined and complex Italian red.Nose: Dark cherry, plum, and chocolate.
   Palate: Velvety texture with layered flavors of spice, tobacco, and dried fruit.
   Finish: Long and elegant with smooth tannins.