Highlands Distilling Company - Marion, Virginia

Highlands Distilling Company: An Unassuming Gem in Virginia

Nestled in the heart of Marion, Virginia, Highlands Distilling Company operates as a testament to the art of American craft distilling. While its unassuming exterior might not immediately suggest the exceptional spirits within, this small distillery has carved a significant niche for itself, particularly in the production of fine gin and a range of whiskey, including notable bourbon. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, Highlands Distilling offers a unique opportunity to experience the distillation process and sample some truly remarkable American-made spirits.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Founded with a passion for quality and tradition, Highlands Distilling Company represents a modern renaissance in Virginia's distilling heritage. The facility serves as both a production plant and a visitor destination, blending industrial craftsmanship with a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere. The distillery's commitment is evident in its meticulous sourcing of high-quality raw materials and its dedication to time-honored distillation techniques, albeit with contemporary innovation. This focus on quality spirits is the cornerstone of their identity, setting them apart in the competitive craft distillery landscape.

Core Offerings: Whiskey, Bourbon, and Exceptional Gin

The Specialties of Highlands Distilling Company clearly revolve around its distillery operations, with a primary focus on creating exceptional whiskey. Among their most celebrated creations is their bourbon, known for its smooth profile and robust character, reflecting the careful aging process. Equally noteworthy is their gin, which stands out in the American craft spirits scene. Often described as some of the best available, their gin typically features a refined balance of botanicals, creating a complex and aromatic spirit. Beyond these core offerings, they may also produce other variants, rotating small batch releases, or seasonal expressions, ensuring a dynamic tasting experience for visitors. The emphasis is consistently on small batch production and quality control.

Location, Hours, and Accessibility

Finding Highlands Distilling Company is straightforward for those planning a visit. Located at Address: 1200 VA-16, Marion, VA 24354, the distillery is situated along Virginia Highway 16 in Marion, making it relatively accessible for visitors exploring the local area. While specific public visiting hours are not detailed in the provided information, the establishment's focus on hospitality suggests they accommodate visitors by appointment or during dedicated tasting sessions. It is highly recommended to check their official channels for the most accurate and up-to-date visiting information.

The distillery demonstrates a thoughtful commitment to inclusivity. Notably, they offer Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that physical barriers do not prevent enjoyment of their offerings. Their payment policy is straightforward, accepting both Debit cards and Credit cards, catering to a wide range of customers' financial needs.

Visitor Experience and Community Connection

Visiting Highlands Distilling Company is more than just a tasting; it's an immersion into the craft. Guests are encouraged to engage with the knowledgeable team, particularly highlighting the positive experiences shared by patrons like Scott, who is noted for his delightful hosting and expertise. The atmosphere is described as welcoming and great, fostering a sense of community around the distillery. This connection extends to their founder, who is recognized as a veteran-owned business, further adding a layer of local pride and dedication. The mention of family members being in law enforcement subtly underscores a commitment to community values and service.

The recommendation to 'Go show your support' resonates through the positive Opinions this establishment has garnered. With a significant following evidenced by their presence on platforms like Google My Business, where they boast 22 reviews, and an impressive Average opinion of 4.7/5, Highlands Distilling clearly leaves a positive mark on its visitors. While the specific reviews provided offer glimpses into the exceptional quality of their spirits and the warmth of their staff, the collective praise speaks volumes about their ability to deliver an outstanding experience. For someone seeking a genuine craft distillery visit in Virginia, focusing on high-quality whiskey and gin, Highlands Distilling Company represents an excellent choice.

👍 Reviews of Highlands Distilling Company

Kathleen H.

5/5

What a great stop! The place is unassuming from the outside but has some of the best gin and whiskey! Scott is a delightful host as well as knowledgeable!

Amanda A. S.

5/5

Awesome spirits! Whisky, Bourbon, and a great Gin. Great atmosphere and owner was so nice and hospitable. Veteran owned with family also being in law enforcement. Go show your support!

David P.

5/5

Stayed here over night through Harvest Host. Wow. Blown away by how good this whiskey was. Maybe we had low expectations, and if so, they were surpassed. Not fancy. Not high-falootin' - just a cool place to taste some excellent hooch. Also Scott, the most excellent host and distiller, made for an engaging end entertaining visit.

Mark S.

5/5

Second time staying here, you're our favorite HH! Easy access off 81, delicious spirits (killer Bloody Mary and Old Fashion). Quiet location on flat grounds. Scott is a master at his craft and excellent host, purchased 4 bottles, Crabby Mary (best BM mix) and cherries.

greg F.

5/5

By far the best small batch distillery we found! If you are in the area, their distillery is DEFINITELY worth the stop. Give yourself enough time because you’ll spend a lot of time raving about their smooth and excellent tasting products (I did).

The owner Chris and Master Distiller Scott, have created a very laid back, comfortable environment to do a tasting. Both were very willing to share their knowledge and answer any questions you might have. We really enjoyed our time with them.

Though we did not try the moonshine, the whiskey and bourbon were incredible! Smooth, and flavorful we were actually taken aback by their fine quality. So much so that we bought a case to bring back to the great state of Texas.

Don’t forget to try their gin. Though I am not much of a Gin drinker, their recipe was unique and a winner compared with any other gin I have tried over the years.

You won’t be disappointed making this stop.

Ann G.

2/5

I wish I could give this place an actual review but we drove all the way there only to see a note on the door they’re closed. I did go to their website prior to attempting a visit but they had nothing about being closed on the site! Frustrating! It was a half hour drive so a wasted hour!!

Shannon F.

5/5

I went here a few weeks ago but waited to leave a review until after the person I bought the moonshine for as a gift tasted the product. I give my personal experience at the distillery a 5 star rating. We were able to tour the facility. I purchased the moonshine and a t-shirt. The shirts are high quality and made well. When it comes to the moonshine 5 stars may not be enough I was told that was the best and smoothest moonshine they had ever tasted. I would definitely recommend you stop by and visit Chris at the distillery.

Misti D. W.

5/5

This distillery is a diamond in the rough and TOTALLY worth the visit! They have award-winning moonshine and various whiskeys. The distiller did our tasting and took great care of us.