Virginia ABC offering discounts during Virginia Spirits Month in September

September is Virginia Spirits Month, and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority is marking the occasion with a monthlong "Sale-A-Bration" celebration of the commonwealth’s distillers and spirits history, offering 20% savings on nearly 200 Virginia-made bourbons, moonshines, gins, vodkas and ready-to-drink cocktails.

The promotion is a partnership among Virginia ABC, the Virginia Spirits Board, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In addition to encouraging residents to shop local, the effort highlights the more than 120 licensed distilleries that operate in Virginia.

“Virginia-made spirits rank among the best of the best,” said Virginia ABC CEO Dale Farino. “Virginia ABC is proud to work closely with our Virginia distillers on the responsible production and sale of spirits.”

Virginia long has embraced its reputation as the “Birthplace of American Spirits.” In 1620, Jamestown settler George Thorpe became the first to distill whiskey from corn — introduced to him by Indigenous people — instead of barley. Later, George Washington became Virginia’s largest whiskey producer of his era.

That legacy continues today, said VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie, thanks to the state’s farmers and natural resources.

“The deeply rooted history of agriculture in the commonwealth helped form the foundation of Virginia’s distilling heritage,” he said, noting that many barrels used for storage and flavoring are also sourced from Virginia forests.

The industry’s modern impact is significant. According to a 2024 study commissioned by the Virginia Spirits Board, distilleries generated more than $1.1 billion in economic activity and supported more than 3,000 jobs in 2022.

Virginia distillers now source more than 70% of their ingredients – including corn, wheat, rye, barley, potatoes and fruits – from local farms. They also rely on Virginia-made barrels, bottles and even repurposed 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.

For details about Virginia Spirits Month events and participating products, visit Virginia ABC’s website.