Virginia Spirits Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, September is recognized as Virginia Spirits Month to celebrate and promote Virginia as the Birthplace of American Spirits; and,

WHEREAS, in 2017, Virginia’s distilled spirits industry’s impact on the Commonwealth’s economy was over $163 million dollars while providing nearly 1,500 full-time jobs; and,

WHEREAS, the industry supports local economies and farmers, as many of the Commonwealth’s distillers depend on Virginia agriculture as the foundation for raw materials as more than 70% of the grains and fruits are locally produced for Virginia distilled spirits; and,

WHEREAS, the care and craftsmanship of the more than 100 Virginia distillers draws global attention, with nearly $5.5 million in exports in 2019, and further positions the Commonwealth as a culinary destination and region for high-quality distilled spirits production; and,

WHEREAS, enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike can enjoy a variety of distilled spirits that are produced in the Commonwealth, to include whiskey (bourbon, rye, single malt, moonshine), brandy, gin, rum, and vodka; and,

WHEREAS, in addition, Virginia distillers produce several lesser known unique spirits, such as aquavit, pastis, absinthe, and various flavored liqueurs; and,

WHEREAS, Virginia distillers collaborate with local breweries, coffee roasters and restaurants to create offerings unique to Virginia; and,

WHEREAS, Virginia distillers encourage the safe and responsible consumption of all alcoholic beverages; and,

WHEREAS, Virginia is for Spirits Lovers;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 2022 as SPIRITS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA and call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations