Grain & Barrel Spirits has announced a partnership with Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey. Virgil Kaine joins the South Carolina-based beverage platform’s lineup, which includes Dixie Vodka and Chicken Cock Whiskey, as well as the soon-to-be-released High Goal Gin.
Virgil Kaine was founded by Charleston-based chefs David Szlam and Ryan Meany in 2011. Their debut release was Virgil Kaine Ginger Infused Bourbon, a Bourbon blended with ginger grown on a nearby sustainable farm, Spade & Clover Gardens (Johns Island, SC). The Bourbon’s nose of sorghum, orange, and oats is followed by a ginger palate balanced with dried apricot and sherry, finishing full with vanilla and light tannins.
The South Carolina-based brand took home Gold Medals in 2016, 2017, and 2018 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Currently, they make seven different spirits, Ribbon-Rail Rye, Roundhouse Double Barrel Whiskey, Robber Baron Rye, Rip-Track Bourbon, Electric Owl 9 Year Sour Mash Whiskey, and Ashcat Blended Bourbon Whiskey, as well as the previously mentioned Ginger Infused Bourbon.
“Virgil Kaine fits naturally into the Grain & Barrel portfolio: similar to our other brands, it highlights American craftsmanship and takes a very flavor-driven approach to product development,” said Grain & Barrel Spirits founder and CEO Matti Christian Anttila. “Virgil Kaine Ginger is not just a delicious product beloved by consumers and bartenders, but also a great starting point for what will be exciting innovation as we expand Virgil Kaine nationally in 2021.”
Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey founder and President David Szlam added, “With Grain & Barrel at the helm of distribution, we at Virgil Kaine can focus on what we do best: making delicious whiskeys.”
The Virgil Kaine lineup joins the Grain & Barrel portfolio, which is set to release High Goal, a small batch, ultra-premium gin produced in Charleston, during the first quarter of 2021. No exact release date has been announced at this time.