History

In Virginia Beach, Tarnished Truth began as an idea about eight years ago, when Andrew Yancey, a local resident of Virginia Beach, wanted to open a distillery in his hometown. He collaborated with Bruce Thompson, who led Gold Key | PHR, the team responsible for renovating the Cavalier Hotel. Tarnished Truth Distilling Company is the first and only distillery located in a hotel in the United States. It is led by master distiller Larry Ebersold, who has more than 40 years of experience and brings world-class spirits to Virginia Beach. Founders & Distillers, the team, and the unique space in the Cavalier Hotel form the foundation of the distillery's identity.

Production / Manufacturing

The distillery consists of a 500-gallon hybrid pot still system with a 20-foot vodka column. All equipment is handcrafted in America by Vendome Copper and Brass Works, which has more than 100 years of experience in copper distillation equipment. The distillery is located in the hotel's former laundry area. Next to the distillery is an on-site gift shop with spirits and merchandise, as well as a private tasting room for private events. After the visit, guests can look into the distillery through the window at the Hunt Room restaurant.

Products / Whisky Series

• Tarnished Truth – High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Aged 4 years). Mash Bill: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley. Aroma: butterscotch, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Taste: balanced notes of toasted oak, honey-vanilla and spices; Finish: long and spicy.
• Old Cavalier – Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Aged 7 years). Mash Bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley. Aroma: sweet with baked apples. Taste: buttery toffee, with a hint of black pepper and cinnamon. Finish: smooth with dried spices.
• Discretion – Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Mash Bill: 70% corn, 18% wheat, 12% malted barley. Aroma: dried oak with vanilla. Taste: hints of butterscotch, honey and caramel. Finish: mild warmth and more oak.
• Discretion Bottled-In-Bond – Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Mash Bill: 70% corn, 18% wheat, 12% malted barley. Appearance: Light Mahogany. Aroma: sugar cookies, butterscotch, hints of chocolate. Taste: graham cracker, vanilla. Finish: nutmeg, toffee, roasted nuts.
• Discretion Single Barrel – Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Mash Bill: 70% corn, 18% wheat, 12% malted barley. Appearance: Rich Caramel Color. Aroma: vanilla, maple syrup, cashew, cherry. Taste: molasses, dark chocolate, almond, sandalwood, leather. Finish: baked spices and hints of oak.
• High Rye Single Barrel – High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Mash Bill: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley. Appearance: Warm Amber. Aroma: butterscotch, maple syrup, cinnamon. Taste: balanced with oak, honey-vanilla and spices; Finish: long and spicy.

Visits / Experiences

Tarnished Truth is one of the few functioning distilleries in the country that operates inside a hotel. Tours and tastings are offered in the unique setting, and there is a private tasting room for events or dinners with friends. Tours typically have 12 people per group. The shop and gift shop have opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday 11:00–20:00 and Sunday 11:00–19:00. Tours & Tasting times are Wednesday–Sunday 14:00–18:00, and there are opportunities for new tour times (Wednesday 14:00–18:00).

Philosophy

The brand describes itself as "Makers of proper spirits" and asserts that bourbon originated in Virginia. The text also emphasizes that they look to history and the Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897 as a high standard. The distillery emphasizes high quality, historical roots in Virginia and the American Southern spirits tradition, while maintaining a modern approach through the hotel environment and unique experiences.