The 5,000-liter premium Kothe pot still will make its new home in a 7,000-square-foot space in Manchester, at 615 Maury St. The new still is the same as the one currently used for making Belle Isle moonshine at Koval, allowing for consistency in product after transitioning to Richmond production.

Once the equipment is in place, Belle Isle Craft Spirits can apply to the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and then wait the typical 90 to 100 days for approval. “We expect to start producing in early summer,” said Wotring.

In the meantime, the company will be fitting out the space with a bar for tastings and space for retail sales of its moonshine and merchandise. It also plans to commission a large mural on the outside of the building, perhaps depicting the arches of the James River Railroad Bridge that graces the label.

Belle Isle Craft Spirits will open its facility to tours, giving visitors a peek into the making of moonshine, from grain to glass. As part of the tour, visitors can enjoy ½-ounce samples for the first 20 minutes of every hour (per ABC regulations). Bottles will be available for sale on site for off-site consumption.

Belle Isle moonshine is easy enough to acquire now, and the getting will be getting easier soon. By purchasing some in a bottle or a cocktail, you can capture the spirit of supporting local business.