Distillery Whiskey

Overview
Belmont Farm Distillery Whiskey emerges from America’s first craft whiskey distillery, established in 1988 in Virginia, where farm-sourced grains form the foundation of its pioneering expressions. The brand traces its roots to Chuck Miller's grandfather's prohibition-era moonshine legacy, evolving into refined spirits like the Virginia Lightning line.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Belmont Farm Distillery emphasizes local, farm-sourced grains in production, marking it as a trailblazer in American craft distilling since 1988. The Virginia Lightning series builds directly on family moonshine traditions, with bottling handled via antique equipment during weekly runs. Flavored variants infuse the original refined moonshine base with local ingredients, broadening appeal while honoring heritage.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Fresh corn sweetness with subtle grain notes from the farm-sourced base.
• Palate: Sweet corn forward, accented by refined spirit character; flavored expressions like butterscotch add creamy depth.
• Finish: Clean and short, with lingering mild spice.

Notable details

• Production: Refined moonshine base, non-chill filtered, bottled on antique equipment.
• Lineage: Founded by Chuck Miller, drawing from grandfather's Prohibition moonshine; first craft whiskey distillery in America.
• Availability: Primarily through distillery gift shop, with tasters frequently purchasing on-site.

"Patti thoroughly enjoyed the butterscotch moonshine during tasting, resulting in a bottle purchase to take home." – Bourbon Banter

Closing
A foundational craft whiskey that captures Virginia's moonshine heritage in an approachable, grain-driven package.

Sources

[1] Bourbonbanter – "Belmont Farm Distillery – “America’s First Craft Whiskey Distillery”"

[2] Whiskeyinmyweddingring – "Taconic Distillery Founder’s Rye Whiskey"

[3] Thirtyonewhiskey – "Whiskey Review: Towpath Distillery Bourbon"

[4] Bourbonbanter – "Distillery 291 Colorado Whiskey Review"

[5] Thebourbonbabe – "Corsair Artisan Distillery - Quinoa Whiskey"

[6] Thirtyonewhiskey – "Whiskey Review: High Bank Distillery Whiskey War"

[7] Thirtyonewhiskey – "Whiskey Review: Wilmington Distillery Carolina Regulator Whiskey"

[8] Whiskeyinmyweddingring – "Taconic Distillery Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey"

[9] Thebourbonroad – "Sugar House Distillery Bourbon Whiskey Review"

[10] Drinkhacker – "Review: Milam & Greene Distillery Edition 2 Bourbon"