IN THE MIX

TWO LITTLE PIGS

With a third on the way.

FEW FOODS SAY “SMITHFIELD” like peanuts and pork. That’s what inspired Mark and Kim Rangos, founders of Blue Sky Distillery to pair these flavors with the “grain-to-glass” whiskey they make in Hamtown.

The couple’s Painted Pig series includes Smoked Bacon Maple Whiskey and Peanut Butter Whiskey. Released in 2020, they’ve been a hit. “A third little pig is in the works,” says Kim.

Peanut Butter Whiskey combines notes of kettle corn, roasted nuts, and toasted marshmallows with a peanut flavor that’s subtle and smooth. Pair it with cranberry juice for the classic taste of PB&J in a cocktail.

Beyond sipping, Smoked Bacon Maple Whiskey is also great for cooking. “It tastes like French toast with a side of bacon,” says Kim, who adds it to barbecue sauces and baked beans. Mike likes to drizzle it over butter pecan ice cream.

Blue Sky Distillery produced their first spirits in 2017. A tasting room is in the works and with new business partners on board, the Rangos are confident they’ll expand operations. “Our future is full of ‘blue skies,’” said Kim with a smile. BlueSkyDistillery.com —by P.S.

VIRGINIA HAS BEEN OBSESSED with producing quality wines since the 17th century. Four hundred years later, we’re blessed with over 320 wineries serving up awardwinning vintages rivaling those from France or California.

For one-stop-sipping—and endless discovery—there’s no better place than a wine festival. To get the most from the experience, go with a goal: choose a select number of wineries to visit. Reconnect with those you know, and explore those you don’t. Take notes, buy a few bottles, grab a bite from a food truck—then relax and peoplewatch while enjoying your finds.

In October, add these top wine festivals to your mustsip list:

AUTUMN IN A GLASS

Small batch Virginia vermouths yield rich flavors.

WHETHER IT’S IN A MARTINI or served neat in a chilled glass, I adore vermouth. This fortified wine gets its nuanced flavor from subtle herbs and botanicals and it’s delicious on the rocks with a twist.

Flying Fox Vineyard in Afton is among only a handful in Virginia making this Old World apéritif. Winemaker Elliott Watkins, who leads Flying Fox’s vermouth team, saw small-batch vermouths popping up globally and decided to “have a go.”

The winery released their first four seasonal vermouths in 2017. At 60 cases each, “we sold out within a couple months and realized how popular these wines would be,” says Watkins. “We now produce roughly 400 cases of each and struggle to keep up with demand.”

With dried orange peel and cardamom on the nose, Flying Fox’s aromatic Fall Vermouth is my favorite. Ginger and turmeric flavors linger in the mouth, rounded out by more citrus and persimmon undertones. “Autumn in a glass,” Watkins calls it.

Flying Fox’s white vermouths are made using seasonal fruits and herbs. Technically considered sweet vermouths, the two I tasted (Summer and Fall) amp up the herbs and botanicals to produce a semi-dry spirit bursting with flavor.

The name vermouth comes from the German word for wormwood, an herb prized for its aroma and health benefits—and essential to the elixir’s bitter profile. It’s also found in absinthe. Once marketed as a medicinal tonic, vermouths are now trending in cocktails from New York to L.A.

—by Peggy Sijswerda

CHEERS TO VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVALS

Three of our favorite fall fêtes.

„ The 46th Annual Virginia Wine Festival at One

Loudoun in Ashburn. The state’s longest-running festival,

“The Original,” includes plenty of food along with the

Virginia Oyster Pavilion. Oct 1-2. VirginiaWineFest.com „ The 30th Annual Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival at Rebec Winery in Amherst features scores of wineries, arts, crafts, and garlicky foods. Oct. 8–9.

RebecWinery.com „ The 34th Annual Town Point Virginia Fall Wine

Festival at Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk brings more than 25 wineries pouring some 200 wines along the Elizabeth River waterfront. Oct. 15–16.

FestEvents.org —by Patrick Evans-Hylton Virginia Wine Festival in Ashburn

TO-GO COQUITO FLIGHT

Loquito Coquito, Richmond A traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink, the eggnog-like Coquito pairs rum with coconut milk and cream, evaporated and condensed milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Loquito Coquito founders Courtney and Tyrone Ramirez have dreamed up new Coquito flavors for every season, all riffs on Tyrone’s family recipe. Look for non-alcoholic options, too. LoquitoCoquitoRVA.MyShopify.com

MINI CRAFT MILKSHAKE FLIGHT

Mabel’s, Powhatan The milkshakes at Mabel’s are frosty works of art. Taste the range with a flight and choose add-ins including cookie chunks, lollipops, cotton candy, pretzels, candy bars— even a slice of cheesecake. Mabels.net

Flights of Fancy

From moonshine to milkshakes, a slew of notable drink samplers let you taste them all.

By VAYDA PARRISH

Beer and wine aren’t the only libations turning up on tasting boards. We’ve rounded up five innovative samplers to try statewide. Have you discovered a new favorite flight? Message @VirginiaLiving on Instagram and let us know where you found it!

SAKE FLIGHT

North American Sake Brewery, Charlottesville New to sake? Try a flight of this traditional Japanese fermented rice drink to explore its range—from sweet to savory, light to full-bodied—and discover how each pairs with food. Founder Andrew Centofante says sharing with friends and family is deeply ingrained in sake history, so be sure your companion’s cup is always full. PourMeOne.com

COCKTAIL FLIGHT

Twin Creeks Distillery, Rocky Mount Twin Creeks owner and head distiller Chris Prillaman is a direct descendant of the Franklin County bootleggers that made moonshine famous. Try the Dreamsicle (spiked with peach brandy) or a Moonshine Margarita (made with 1st Sugar Moonshine), then pick two rotating seasonal creations. TwinCreeksDistillery.com

COFFEE FLIGHT

Pourfavor Coffee Shop, Suffolk and Virginia Beach Start with the signature Coach Flight: a latte, mocha, macchiato, and a cold brew. Upgrade to First Class to add two more flavors—like toasted almond mocha or marshmallow— to the four classics. Ideal for splitting. Seasonal and specialty flavors change frequently. PourfavorCoffeeShop.com