Virginia Distilling Company Cigar Blend American Single Malt Review

By Randall H. Borkus

Rating: A-

Family-owned American single malt whiskey-maker Virginia Distillery Company (VDCo)was founded in Lovingston, Virginia, in 2011 by Dr. George G. Moore. Moore, an Irish immigrant, was passionate about bringing single malt to the U.S., but sadly passed away in 2013 and before his vision could be realized. That is when his wife Angela and son Gareth picked up, building the distillery and carrying on his single malt vision.

The company was always aimed at making its own American Single Malts, but that took time to realize. VDCo started with its “Virginia-Highland” hybrid series, which blended their own youthful malt whiskey with imported Scottish malt. In 2020, they launched their flagship line, Courage & Conviction, made entirely on-site and aged in Virginia’s climate using bourbon, sherry, and cuvée casks.

This year, VDCo unveiled a trio of limited-edition whiskies: a Virginia Distillery First Cut Cigar Blend; Brewer’s Coalition 4 Hands Madagascar Stout Cask Finish; and Virginia Distillery Brewer’s Coalition North Coast.

The Whiskey
Today I am tasting the Virginia Distillery First Cut Cigar Blend, which is 100% malted barley, matured for a minimum of seven years, bottled at 54% ABV (108 proof), and designed to pair with a cigar.  The First Cut Cigar Blend was aged in a variety of casks, including Spanish oak, Sherry, Port, STR (shaved, toasted, and re-charred), Château Palmer Cabernet wine, Armagnac, Cognac, and (Sherry) Fino casks, topped off with a slight portion aged in smoky Islay casks.

The whiskey’s color is dark brown with an amber hue dancing in my Glencairn. This whiskey delights my nose with rich fragrances of leather, ripe fruits, candied dates, nutmeg, and a sweet dark chocolate and delicate hints of smoke.

The palate flavors are layered with dark berries, leather, burnt sugars, honey, Crème Brulé custard, vanilla ice cream and hints of lemon peel. The mouthfeel is rich, warm and inviting. The finish ends amazingly with a whirlwind of deep flavors of sweet custard cake, dark fruits, candied citrus peel, clove, with notes of dark chocolate and hints of delicious smoke.

This whiskey is a cornucopia of flavor which I simply enjoyed. I paired my dram with a Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua which brought forth an intricate tapestry of strong pepper, cedar, and a spice blast that balanced so well with the First Cut Cigar Blend bounty of rich flavors. Within minutes, I found notes of toasted nuts, coffee, sweet dark chocolate covered in Crème brûlée custard and ripe fruits. I jumped on the internet and bought two backups for my home bar.

The Price
You can find it on their website Virginia Distillery First Cut Cigar Blend and on the shelves of  limited retail locations in Virginia for $59.99. I bought two back ups for my home bar!