Lovingston, Virginia-based Virginia Distillery Co. is thrilled to announce that its Limited-Edition Brewer’s Coalition Hardywood Gingerbread Stout Cask Finish Whisky, with a score of 93 points, has earned a spot among Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of 2024. This recognition celebrates the exceptional quality and innovation behind the Brewer’s Coalition series, which features American Single Malt whiskies finished in exceptional beer barrels from preeminent breweries from across the United States.
This Gingerbread Stout Cask Finish was finished in just 30 barrels that previously held Hardywood Park Craft Brewery’s famed Gingerbread Stout. Hardywood is a celebrated brewery also based in Virginia, just under 100 miles from Virginia Distillery Co., and has been an integral partner in this collaboration. The result is a whisky that is both festive and rich in flavor, with aromas of candied lemon peel, apricot, and ginger giving way to a palate filled with walnuts, freshly baked gingerbread cookies, vanilla icing, and lingering baking spices. Bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), this whisky offers a unique and flavorful experience for both whisky connoisseurs and craft beer lovers alike.
“We are extremely honored to be included in Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of 2024” says Gareth Moore, CEO of Virginia Distillery Co. “This recognition is a testament to the creativity and dedication of our team and the incredible collaboration with our brewery partners. It’s especially meaningful that Hardywood, as another Virginia-based producer, has helped contribute to this outstanding whisky. It is also extremely rewarding to see American Single Malt whisky gaining such recognition and making its mark alongside some of the world’s finest spirits.”
The Hardywood Gingerbread Stout Cask Finish is the second release in the Brewer’s Coalition series, following the highly anticipated Goose Island Bourbon County Stout Cask Finish earlier this fall. Both whiskies are available at select retailers, Virginia Distillery Co.’s tasting room and online.
Whisky Advocate’s annual Top 20 Whiskies list honors whiskies that score 90 points or higher on their 100-point scale, factoring in elements such as price, accessibility, and overall quality. The rankings are determined through blind tastings by an international panel of experts.
Product samples and interviews are available upon request.