This whisky forms the flagship bottling in the Courage & Conviction range from the Virginia Distillery Company. The whisky is matured for at least six years across three barrel types. These are first-fill ex-bourbon, STR (shaved, toasted and recharred) ex-European red wine and ex-sherry. Three varieties of sherry cask are used – ex-Fino, ex-Oloroso and ex-Pedro Ximenez. The three barrel types are married together after maturation to create Signature Malt. This is in a ration of 50% ex-bourbon, 25% STR and 25% ex-sherry.
The Virginia Distillery Co. was founded by George Moore in 2011 and is located in Lovingston, Nelson County in the American state of Virginia. He had emigrated from Ireland in the 1970s and the distillery was his retirement project. Sadly, George passed away in 2013 before completion but his son, Graham Moore, decided to complete his father’s vision. Graham is now the CEO.
Production began in 2015 and the distillery only make American single malt spirit. They follow the ‘old world’ rules of single malt – that it must be made from 100% malted barley in copper pot stills and then aged for a minimum of three years in used oak barrels. A percebtage of the barley is grown locally on the Moore family farm.
They have two ranges, which have won plenty of awards in global spirits competitions. These are Virginia Distillery Co. (or VDC for short) and Courage & Conviction. VDC sees all whiskies initially matured in ex-bourbon casks, sourced from Brown-Forman in neighbouring Kentucky, before a finishing period in other cask types. Courage & Conviction sees full maturation in single cask types.
The Virginia Distillery Co. Courage & Conviction Signature Malt was first released in 2020 and is bottled at 46% ABV. It is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. It is available in the USA and UK, plus other selected global markets. A bottle will cost $US70/ £65.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is bright gold and the nose is sweet, malty and fruity. Immediate aromas of red apple and vanilla pod rise from the glass, and are followed honey and a hint of blanched almond. Underneath sit further aromas of sweet hazelnut praline, candied lemon peel and white chocolate. Then some warming spice – this is reminiscent of powdered ginger, cinnamon bark and mace.
On the palate this whisky is sweet and malty with a luscious and creamy mouth feel. The velvety texture is delightful. The crisp red apple from the nose is promient once again and supported by sweet notes of fresh honeycomb and vanilla paste. The vanilla becomes a little more custard-like with time. There is also some toffee, white chocolate and butterscotch, plus the nutty hazelnut praline again puts in an appearance.
A distinct biscuit-like maltiness underpins the fruity and sweet characteristics. There is a pinch of cocoa powder too, plus a hint of fresh lemon zest and its oils. With time the warming spices from the nose begin to shine through. Freshly baked gingerbread and powdered cinnamon are most noticeable, but subtle mace and a hint of cardomom also come through. White pepper adds extra heat right at the death.
The finish is long and becomes increasingly dry and woody. this is especially true once the honeyed sweetness and expressive fruitiness fade. It is the first time the oak dominates and gives a delicious tannic dryness that makes you want another sip. The white pepper and baking spice notes draw this out even further.
What’s The Verdict?
This Signature Malt is a delicious whisky and one that makes it easy to see why the Virginia Distillery Co. have been winning lots of awards. This is a bright and expressive single malt that has bags of depth, complexity and flavour. American single malts are hot at the moment, especially since the recent legislation came in to ensure quality. This has now arrived in the UK so is definitely one to check out, whether you are in there or in the US. A cracking dram.
