By Annie Tobey
Copper Fox Distillery in Williamsburg serves dual pleasures. The tasting room experience satisfies the desire to enjoy fine spirits. A tour of the distinctive working distillery, situated in an old motel, elevates the experience. Even seasoned distillery visitors are unlikely to have seen a production like this. The distillery’s first distinction targets the palate. Rick Wasmund was determined to learn more about blending smoky goodness with spirits. The result was Copper Fox Distillery.
Not only does Copper Fox distill, it malts its own barley using fruitwoods to impart distinctive smoky aromas and flavors. It uses some of those same woods in the aging process to bring out more natural flavors.
Resulting products include single malt whiskies made with applewood-, cherrywood-, peachwood- and chestnut-smoked malts, rye whiskies, and bourbon. Some are matured in used bourbon barrels with progressive infusions of wood chips, like toasted applewood and oak; others are aged in brandy, port-style wine or Cognac barrels.
Tasting room visitors can relish the results with whisky flights, cocktails and bar snacks, settling in the comfy inside spaces or roomy outdoor courtyards.
The tour highlights the second distinction. Tour guests learn about the malting and distilling processes and see how the Williamsburg distillery, Copper Fox’s second location, makes efficient adaptive reuse of the old buildings for malting, distilling, barrel aging and more.
Relax in the tasting room, take a one-of-a-kind tour and take home some quality Copper Fox spirits.
Distillery, Tasting Room and Retail Shop Open Monday–Sunday 12pm–7pm. Copper Fox Spirits, Whisky flights, seasonal cocktails, and light bar snacks. All ages and well-behaved dogs are welcome. Visit our website for updates on tours, events, and seasonal and holiday hours.
Plan Your Visit
copperfoxdistillery.com
(757) 903-2076
901 Capitol Landing Rd
Williamsburg,
VA 23185
