“Virginians have a natural affinity for moonshine,” Brian Marks, co-founder of Belle Isle Craft Spirits says. “Techincally, it’s just an untaxed spirit. Belle Isle and the other distillers, we’re just paying homage to the term ‘moonshine.’”

Belle Isle Craft Spirits launched in November of 2013. Now their premium moonshine is available in over 115 ABC stores across the state. But they still can’t produce in Virginia. Even though they’ve leased a production space in Manchester, they’ve been producing their moonshine at a craft distillery in Chicago.

Hopefully that will soon change. Last week, they were awarded a distilled spirits permit which will allow them to begin production at their new facility in Manchester.

“It’s been an awesome year,” Marks says. “We wouldn’t change a thing. We’re happy to be close to producing here in Richmond.”

Belle Isle will be bringing their premium moonshine to the festival for sampling. They’ll also show visitors how to take their base spirit, add fruit and different botanicals to create a signature cocktail.

Besides Belle Isle, several other big names in the moonshine business will be on hand at the festival.