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Copper Fox Distillery releases Belle Grove 1797 Whiskey

New spirit uses same Virginia grains and recipe used two centuries ago

Employing his award winning, small batch distilling methods, Rick Wasmund of Copper Fox Distillery in Sperryville, Virginia, is now producing Belle Grove 1797 Whiskey.  It is based upon the same Virginia grains and recipe used two centuries ago by Major Isaac Hite Jr., founder and owner of Belle Grove Plantation.

In 1797, Belle Grove was one of the largest plantations in the Shenandoah Valley and a center of society.  In addition to having a thriving production in grain, Major Hite operated a distillery, making spirits from his crops.  Belle Grove 1797 Whiskey provides a rare opportunity to taste and savor this history.  A portion of whiskey and spirit sales will benefit Belle Grove’s mission of preservation and education.

“I have always been inspired by Belle Grove, and especially by its history of having a distillery integrated with its agricultural operations,” Copper Fox Distillery’s founder and owner, Rick Wasmund says. “The chance to reproduce a fine whiskey in the spirit of the era was irresistible and the results are beyond my expectations.  Copper Fox is honored by our association with Belle Grove on this product and hope our customers will enjoy the whiskey as much as we enjoy making it.”

Belle Grove 1797 is available at Copper Fox Distillery in both aged whiskey and clear spirit varieties.  Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores may special order it using VAABC #953070 for Belle Grove 1797 Whiskey and VAABC #953069 for Belle Grove 1797 Spirit. 

Belle Grove 1797 Whiskey is also used in Belle Grove 1797 Whiskey Chocolates, which are produced by the Cocoa Mill Chocolatier in Lexington, Virginia, and sold at the Belle Grove Plantation Museum Shop.  Each decorative box contains twelve truffles, half of milk chocolate and half of dark chocolate and is perfect as a souvenir, holiday gift, or private indulgence.