A Whiskey History Radio Broadcast Tuesday Morning Feb. 21st, 2017 WXGM Radio

Dr William Dodson, the owner here at the Williamsburg Distillery and Dr Wilson, a Civil War historian will be on the air this coming Tuesday morning starting at 7:05 AM with Neal Steele of WXGM, 99.7 FM radio, to discuss the history and uses of whiskey and spirits.  For those familiar with Neal Steele and his on air personality, this is sure to be a very adventurous show.

You will laugh and learn all at the same time which is always a great combination.  When you get Dr Dodson and Neal Steele going, you never know what is coming next but you can count on it being off the wall funny and fun.  

Williamsburg Distillery Closed For Private Event Friday Oct. 21st, 2016

Hey everyone.  Just wanted to send out a message that the Distillery will be closed this Friday, October 21st, 2016 for a private event.  Seen in the picture here is a tent going up on the property now for this coming Friday evening.  We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause anyone.  We will be open again on Saturday, October 22nd, 2016 from 1:00 pm til 8:00 pm.

If you are interested in hosting a private event at the Distillery, please contact us for pricing and information.  

The Rum Runners Root Beer Float

The Rum Runners Root Beer Float.  Now this is a very simple recipe to follow, but you want to make sure this is for those 21 years of age and above.  All you do is fill a mug about three quarters of the way full of your favorite root beer leaving enough room for some vanilla ice cream.  Add in a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream and top off with a shot of Eight Shires Silver Rum.  (You may presently know this as our Yorktown Silver Rum). 

  Again, a very simple recipe but oh sooo gooooodddd.  I just have way too much fun figuring out ways to enjoy our rum.

Cherry Rum Cordial Ice Cream

Cherry Rum Cordial Ice Cream.  

During the Christmas season, Cella's comes out with these dark chocolate covered cherries.  They have been a family favorite for decades.  If you happen to be a fan of these, I have a wonderful surprise for you.  How to make your own Cherry Chocolate Rum Cordial Ice Cream that has the flavor of Cella's with an adult twist.

  At the top of the post is a bowl of chocolate ice cream covered with dark chocolate syrup.  That is your start.  Looking at a post below, I have covered how to make your own custom infused rum's.  In this version, start with some cherries bought at your favorite store, or picked at your local farmers market for those lucky enough to live near one or two, and bring them home, wash them and cut them up removing the pits.  Take a clean glass jar, put the cherries in it and then cover them with our 8 Shires Silver Rum.  You presently know this as Yorktown Silver Rum by us.  We are changing the name and our new labels will read 8 Shires or Eight Shires.  Now, cover the cherries and rum and let it sit for about 2 weeks.  You can use this sooner if you like, I prefer about 2 weeks myself to get the full flavor infusion.  

  So, you want to buy your ice cream and syrup at the end of the infusion period.  Once you have scooped your ice cream into a bowl and covered with dark chocolate syrup, you are now ready to add some of those cherries that have been waiting and then sprinkle about a half of a shot on top of the the ice cream.  

  The flavors will mix pretty fast.  Enjoy.

1st Annual Craft Distiller's Festival Hosted by Williamsburg Distillery

Dr D with Neal Steele at WXGM radio in Gloucester, Virginia yesterday, pictured above.  On the left is Neal Steele and on the right is Dr D.  This was in the recording studio at the radio station.  Dr D and Neal were putting together a promo to run on the radio station for the Williamsburg Distillery's upcoming First Annual Distiller's Festival being held at the Waterman's Museum in Yorktown on August 20th, 2016.  The event will feature 7 craft distilleries, one local brewery, food trucks on site, craft vendors, and live music as well as entertainment.

   Distilleries attending include: Vitae Spirits Distillery, Belle Isle Craft Spirits, KO Distilling, Virginia Distillery Company, Cirrus Vodka, MurLarkey Distilled Spirits, and Williamsburg Distillery.  Tickets to the event are $30.00 in advance or $40.00 the day of the event.  We also welcome those between the ages of 13 and 20 and those who aren't drinking for just $10. Children 12 and under can enter for free.  Where do you buy tickets in advance?

CLICK HERE for tickets.

   Again, that is August 20th, 2016.  The time is from 4:00 PM til 8:00 PM.  In the event of rain, there is a rain date of August 27th, 2016, same time.  So mark this on your calendar.  This is going to be a wonderful time. 

Plum Cake With Rum

Ingredients:
refined flour / all purpose flour
baking powder
vanilla extract
butter / oil
cinnamon powder
nutmeg powder
eggs
raisins
nuts
candid peel
sugar

Just follow the video as it is pretty straight forward.  If you do not want to make plum cake, just substitute the plums with another fruit.  We always recommend using Yorktown Silver Rum in your recipes.  Quality you can count on.

How To Customize Your Own Rum

How to customize your own rum.  Pictured above are several different infusions made from our Yorktown Silver Rum.  From left to right:  Coconut vanilla rum.  blackberry rum, blueberry rum and honeysuckle rum.  The bottles hold about 3 to 4 oz's and are just used and cleaned spice bottles.  I prefer glass but plastic can be used.  The blackberries were picked fresh and lightly bruised before adding the rum on top.  The blueberries came from the store and were not bruised prior to adding the rum which is why the rum is clear.  The coconut came from the store and cracked fresh the I added vanilla extract in with the rum.  Just a light amount as you do not want to overpower the rum or the coconut.  The honeysuckle was picked fresh and and rum poured over the top.

  You just need to let these sit for about 3 days.  Then they are ready for your entertainment.  One great idea is to add these over vanilla ice cream.  Pick out the berries or coconut and put some into a bowl along with the ice cream and also add about half an ounce of the rum to the ice cream.  Once you start experimenting with these types of infusions, you can't stop.  You will want to make more and more.  The other option is to make yourself a great sipping drink.  Our rum is already fantastic.  Customizing it is just lot's of fun.  Let us hear some of your ideas and maybe we can get them up here on the site for everyone to try.

  Question?  Is there a certain amount I should use when making my own infusions?
Answer:  No, it's up to you and what you think would be good.  What one person likes isn't necessarily going to be what another person likes.

Question:  Do the fruits need to be fresh picked?
Answer:  Again, it's a matter of personal taste.  Frozen fruit can be used as easily as fresh.

Question: How long will my infused fruit last in a jar?
Answer:  Rule of thumb is no longer than 6 months on the fruit left in a jar.  I would take the actual fruit out after a few weeks and use it, but the infused rum will last as long as years to come.  It won't get any better with age in any bottle.  But it is fun just knowing you always have a special treat around when you want it.