Virgil Kaine Partners With South Carolina’s Cannon Distillery
Virgil Kane, the Lowcountry independent bottler and whiskey brand, recently announced a strategic partnership with Cannon Distillery, an esteemed South Carolina distillery known for its array of artisanal products. This new venture represents a major milestone in the growth trajectory for both companies as they aim to expand their reach in the South Carolina and Georgia markets, all while crafting exceptional spirits using the finest ingredients.
“This is an exciting time because we are going back to our roots. Not only does Virgil Kaine now have a home in Charleston where our passionate supporters can come visit us, but having a distillery so close will enable us to be more hands-on with the product,” said Virgil Kaine Founder David Szlam. “By eliminating the middleman, we can personally ensure each and every bottle of Virgil Kaine is as good as it possibly can be.”
Virgil Kaine was founded in 2011, by Charleston-based chefs Szlam and Ryan Meany. Since debuting, Virgil Kaine has released eight limited-edition whiskeys. Cannon Distillery was founded in 2017 in Avondale by Kris Kincaid as a passion project to make craft cocktail-friendly spirits. Roderick Hale Waver serves as the Master Distiller.
Szlam and Kincaid each bring a rich culinary background and extensive experience in the restaurant industry. This shared expertise fuels their passion for crafting unique dishes, cocktails, and spirits, always prioritizing top-quality ingredients and exceptional flavors.
“What I love about this partnership is that it enables us to really focus on what we do best — use our culinary know-how to create unique, flavorful, high-quality spirits, and ultimately enhance the customer experience,” said Kincaid. “Both of our teams have cut our teeth in the Charleston hospitality scene and navigated the distribution school of hard knocks. Those experiences are invaluable to our partnership. But we aren’t hardcore accountants or hospitality executives focused solely on the bottom line. We are bringing a new perspective to the game, and I think we are creating something incredibly special that customers will love.”
“This partnership deepens the bond among passionate and enthusiastic entrepreneurs who share common values and aspirations. It is more than just a business. It truly feels like a family,” added Szlam. “We have built something unique and exciting, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.”
The Cannon Collective portfolio will now include all Cannon and Virgil Kaine products, along with Nippitaty Gin, offering a broader and more diverse range of spirits.
Virgil Kaine and Cannon Distillery Unveil New Event Space on James Island
In addition to the new partnership, Cannon Distillery has expanded to a new 14,000 square foot location at 1734 Signal Point Road on James Island. The new distillery features a 7,500 square foot event space known as The Rickhouse, full catering services, tasting area and retail shop.
Products from Cannon Distillery, Virgil Kaine and Nippitaty Gin are available for purchase in the shop.
