Distillery Tour at The Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach

The famous Cavalier Hotel is set atop one of the highest hills in Virginia Beach and is one of the county’s most notable historic hotels. Although the hotel recently underwent an extensive renovation, the hotel still brims with elegance and hospitality. One unique feature this hotel has is its very own distillery.

Tarnished Truth Distilling Company is the United States’ only distillery located in a hotel. The company is operated from the back of the establishment and run by just six employees. Beginning with an idea eight years ago, Virginia Beach natives Andrew Yancey and Josh Canada set out to craft a Virginia Beach distillery.  The pair partnered with fellow native Bruce Thompson, and together, they brought their dream to life.

Photo by Mary Melnick

The distillery sits where the original laundry facility for the hotel once was. Since the company distills a variety of spirits, many pieces of handmade equipment specific to each spirit are utilized. Every step of the process is done in the facility, including bottling and labeling.

Guests can tour the distillery to learn how the company makes its vodka, whiskey and bourbon. One of the six employees will take you through the facility and give you the inside scoop on how the equipment works and how they get the taste, color and consistency of the spirits. Once done with the tour, guests get to enjoy a tasting.