Belmont Farm Distillery
History of Belmont Farm Distillery
The Inception of a Vision
Belmont Farm Distillery’s story begins in 1988, rooted in the aspirations of Chuck and Jeanette Miller. Their goal was to preserve their family’s moonshine heritage by transforming their farm in Culpeper, Virginia, into a pioneering craft whiskey distillery. This venture marked the inception of the United States’ very first Craft Whiskey Distillery, a significant milestone in the revival of traditional distilling methods.
Crafting Traditions
The distillery was built on Belmont Farm, a property steeped in history, with origins as an old English Land Grant dating back to 1836. The farm has witnessed significant historical events, including the Civil War, where it played a role in the Battle of Cedar Mountain. Transitioning through times, including the devastation of the main house during the Civil War and the economic challenges of the Great Depression, the farm evolved. Today, it spans 195 acres, cultivating corn, wheat, and barley, which are integral to the production of their distinguished whiskey.
A Unique Distilling Approach
Belmont Farm Distillery stands out for its commitment to traditional distillation techniques, using a solid copper pot still, a method that had fallen out of favor in the United States before the Millers’ revival efforts. This approach allows for a slow, meticulous process that emphasizes the quality and character of their whiskey. The distillery prides itself on growing its own corn, which is then harvested, stored, and ground on the farm, ensuring a product that is truly from grain to glass.
The Spirit of Innovation and Friendship
The distillery’s journey took a notable turn when Chuck Miller formed a partnership with Tim Smith, a renowned moonshiner featured on the Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners.” Their collaboration brought Tim Smith’s Climax Moonshine to legal production, further cementing Belmont Farm Distillery’s role in bridging the gap between traditional moonshining and legal craft distilling. This partnership not only expanded the distillery’s product range but also highlighted its importance in the moonshine culture and craft distilling community.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Among the distillery’s notable achievements is the creation of a 25-year-old craft whiskey, a testament to their long-term vision and dedication to the craft. This special whiskey, released in a limited edition, symbolizes the culmination of decades of patience and commitment to quality, representing one of the oldest craft whiskey expressions on the market.
Today, Belmont Farm Distillery continues to thrive as a family-owned and operated enterprise, dedicated to preserving the tradition of copper pot still whiskey production. Through its historical roots, innovative spirit, and commitment to quality, Belmont Farm Distillery stands as a beacon of craft distilling, inviting whiskey enthusiasts to partake in a rich, authentic experience.
Awards Won by Belmont Farm Distillery
People’s Choice Winner at the East Coast Craft Spirits Awards for their Belmont Kopper Kettle Straight Bourbon. This award highlights the distillery’s excellence in bourbon production and its popularity among consumers.
2016 SIP Beverage Award for their Kopper Kettle Virginia Whiskey. This award signifies the distillery’s commitment to quality and tradition in whiskey-making. The Kopper Kettle Virginia Whiskey is double oaked, first on Virginia white oak and Virginia apple wood for two months before spending four years in oak barrels, contributing to its award-winning taste.
Belmont Farm Distillery Tour Information and Experience
At Belmont Farm Distillery, visitors can immerse themselves in a unique experience that goes beyond the ordinary distillery tour. Their offerings include detailed tours, private events, and a gift shop filled with memorabilia and exclusive products.
Tours
The distillery welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Saturday, between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, offering tours every 30 minutes from the top of the hour. The last tour starts 30 minutes before closing. These tours give guests a chance to see the distillation process up close, learn about the history of the farm and the distillery, and understand how their favorite spirits are made. Tastings are available for those aged 21 and over, adhering to VA ABC Laws.
Private Events
Belmont Farm Distillery provides a unique venue for private gatherings such as birthday parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or simply a secluded spot for friends to enjoy some time together. Their museum room can accommodate up to 15 people, offering a distinctive setting for parties and product tastings. To organize a special event, interested parties should contact the distillery directly.
Gift Shop
The distillery’s gift shop offers a range of memorabilia, including t-shirts, hats, mugs, shot glasses, and many other items featuring Belmont Farm products. Besides memorabilia, the shop is fully stocked with the distillery’s drinks, including some that are not yet available in ABC stores. Visitors can also explore a collection of antique and unique collectibles displayed around the shop, making it more than just a shopping experience but also a fascinating tour stop.
Belmont Farm Distillery’s blend of traditional distilling methods, historical backdrop, and engaging visitor experiences make it a must-visit for both spirit enthusiasts and those looking to explore Virginia’s rich distilling heritage.
Flask & Barrel Review of Belmont Farm Distillery
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Belmont Farm Distillery, and I gotta say, it was quite the experience, landing a solid 4.7 out of 5 in my book. As a whiskey collector who’s been around the block a few times with distillery tours, I’ve got a bit of a knack for knowing what makes a tour stand out, and Belmont Farm didn’t disappoint.
First off, the setting is just charming. Nestled in the heart of Virginia, the farm has this rustic vibe that immediately sets the tone. You can tell there’s history there, which they’re pretty proud of, and rightfully so. The tour itself was informative and engaging. Unlike some places where you feel like just another face in the crowd, the folks at Belmont Farm make it personal. They’re passionate about what they do, and it shows. They walked us through the process of how they craft their spirits, from grain to glass, and I found it fascinating how they stick to traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.
The tasting session was the highlight for me. I mean, that’s where the magic happens, right? Their whiskey selection is top-notch, and getting to sample some of their finest was a treat. Each spirit had its own unique character, and you could really taste the care and craftsmanship that went into making them.
Another thing that caught my eye was their gift shop. It’s not just your standard fare. They’ve got a great selection of memorabilia, and I couldn’t resist picking up a few things for myself and fellow whiskey aficionados. It’s not every day you find such a collection of unique items that reflect the distillery’s heritage and the quality of their spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Belmont Farm Distillery?
Peppers Grill: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at (540) 825-1037. Their address is 791 Madison Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701.
El Jaripeo: This restaurant has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, their contact number is (540) 727-0404. El Jaripeo is located at 500 Meadowbrook Dr, Culpeper, VA 22701, within the Meadowbrook Shopping Center.
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant: Luigi’s boasts a 4.3-star rating on Google Maps. You can make reservations by calling (540) 829-4688. Their address is 235 Southgate Shopping Center, Culpeper, VA 22701.
What hotels are near Belmont Farm Distillery?
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Culpeper, an IHG Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at (540) 825-7444. Their address is 787 Madison Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Culpeper: This hotel has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, their contact number is (540) 829-0330. Microtel Inn & Suites is located at 885 Willis Ln, Culpeper, VA 22701.
Hampton Inn & Suites Culpeper: Hampton Inn & Suites boasts a 4.6-star rating on Google Maps. You can make reservations by calling (540) 829-9000. Their address is 18411 Gate Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701.