Virginia Distillery Co. VHW Single Barrel Port Cask Whisky, Barrel 2205

There's Scotch in this Virginia whisky. VHW stands for Virginia-Highland Whisky. It's the line Virginia Distillery Co. started in 2015: malt whisky made in Lovingston, Virginia, married with aged single malt from Scotland. Both are 100% malted barley, which is why the label says "whisky" and not "American single malt." That category, made official in 2025, requires every drop to be distilled in the US. Virginia Distillery says the whisky spends over four years in ex-bourbon barrels, then at least a year in port-style wine casks. Port is the sweet fortified wine from Portugal. This bottle comes from one of those casks, barrel No. 2205, and it was bottled at cask strength: no water added, 121.2 proof. The label leaves blank lines for the barrel number and strength, filled in by hand. That's strong. Pour a small measure, taste it neat, then add water a few drops at a time. Virginia Distillery describes the line as "red fruits, dark cocoa and spice." The fuller notes below are from the Virginia Spirits Board's page for this single barrel line. Tasting Notes Nose: red fruit, dill, earthy oak Palate: toffee and dark chocolate, light pepper Finish: medium to long, bright fruit, a touch of oak, lingering s'mores Bottle Specifications Category: Whisky (Virginia malt married with Scotch malt) Age: No age statement (the producer says over four years, plus at least one in port casks) Finish: Port-style wine casks Barrel: Single barrel No. 2205 Proof / ABV: 121.2 proof / 60.6% (cask strength) Distillery: Virginia Distillery Co., Lovingston, Virginia Bottle size: 750ml FAQ Is this an American single malt? No. It's 100% malted barley, but part of it was distilled in Scotland, and American single malt has to be distilled entirely in the US. Virginia Distillery's Courage & Conviction line is its all-Virginia single malt. What does VHW mean? Virginia-Highland Whisky, the distillery's name for the line that marries its own malt with aged Scotch malt. How old is it? The producer doesn't print an age for barrel 2205. It says the line ages over four years in ex-bourbon barrels and at least one more in port casks. Good in a Manhattan and a hot toddy.