Over the last several weeks, we've introduced you to the outstanding, reference-point American single malts of Virginia Distillery Company, and today we're putting the capstone on the campaign with a private offer on their crown jewel, the Courage & Conviction Signature Malt. Crafted to honor the legacy of VDC founder Dr. George Moore, the C&C is another incredible testament to the distillery's pure malt style and its radical cask-finishing and blending methods.
"The C&C is exactly what any distillery’s top-tier bottling should be – the finest synthesis of their vision, methods, and quality standards." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer
Aged for a minimum of five years, this 100%-malted barley whisky is finished in a wild combination of first-fill ex-bourbon hogsheads, STR European red wine casks, and a trio of ex-Sherry casks, including oloroso, PX, and fino. The resulting profile is amazingly layered and multi-dimensional, earning the whisky a bevy of critical acclaim and awards, including 96 points from Wine Enthusiast, 94 points at the Ultimate Spirits Competition, and the London Spirits Competition's Whisky of the Year in 2023.
This release builds on the wild success of the introductory edition. Our own spirits buyer Andrew Kitz explains, "they seem to have the finishing regimen nailed down perfectly, as you can clearly see in the wide range of barrel influences that somehow both compete with and complement each other so remarkably well." Indeed, you'll find tons of sherry character intertwined with a red-fruit core and vibrant spices that let you know exactly what went into creating this wonderful dram. At the foundation of it all is the signature malt purity that VDC is known for.
The distillery is moving from strength to strength, with their top-tier expression reaching new heights with each new release, and as the age-statements continue to increase, we're looking at the emergence of a bona fide American Single Malt benchmark. And if you missed previous offers on the rest of the range, you'll find them below.
The C&C is exactly what any distillery’s top-tier bottling should be – the finest synthesis of their vision, methods, and quality standards. With such varied barrel types all going into this expression, I was a little skeptical about a lack of focus and definition, but they really have the finishing regimen nailed down perfectly, as you can clearly see in the wide range of barrel influences that somehow both compete with and complement each other so remarkably well. Nutty sherry aromas jump with immediacy, along with dark dried fruits and that fantastically pure VDC malt. Then comes light blonde tobacco and toasted cereals, while the fruit component becomes deeper and more defined in the form of Medjool dates, figs, and cherry compote. Subtle wisps of fresh autumn leaves and graham cracker add intrigue underneath all the fruit and malt. The palate is medium weight with great balance. The initially plush texture settles out and takes on more energy with air, supporting flavors of ripe red fruits and pure malt. Soft savory spices and excellent sherry tones form the core of the mid-palate with notes of dried apple, pumpkin pie, vanilla pod, and graham cracker defining the medium-long finish.
94 points, Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer (Aug 2026)
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