Alexandria gets its first distillery since Prohibition
Motherwell Distilling Co. opens on South Pickett Street with a bourbon honoring the city's last gristmill
The last time Alexandria had a working distillery, Prohibition shut it down. Nearly a century later, Motherwell Distilling Co. has brought distilling back to the city — and they did it the Alexandria way: with a debut at the Del Ray Farmers Market.
On Friday evening, Master Distiller Vince Crisler welcomed visitors to the distillery’s 877 S. Pickett St. location for its first public event, pouring samples of Brickwater Bourbon — the city’s first locally produced spirit in generations.
“This is Alexandria’s return to distilling,” Crisler said. He added that the distillery plans to be an active part of the community, including sponsoring local events and organizations.
The company made its public debut last month at the Del Ray Farmers Market, selling 150 bottles of Batch 001 on Dec. 20. The venture has attracted investment from dozens of community members, including Del Ray Dads.
Two distilleries, one story
Motherwell Distilling Co. opened its first location in Logan, Ohio, in 2022, naming it for the Motherwell Iron & Steel Co. that transformed the Hocking Hills town in the late 1800s. The Ohio operation has built a following with spirits including Common Ground Wheated Bourbon, Rock House Rye and Canal Boat Rum.
The Alexandria location adds another layer to the name: Motherwell, Scotland, long recognized as the spiritual home of whisky.
“At Motherwell, we distill with purpose: to honor local pride, shared moments, and the joy of something truly well made,” the company says on its website.
Brickwater Bourbon
The inaugural Virginia release honors local history in both name and recipe. Brickwater Bourbon takes its name from Phoenix Mill, Alexandria’s last gristmill, also known as Brick Water Mill. Built in 1801 on Wheeler Avenue, the four-story mill once ground 100 barrels of flour per day before ceasing operations around 1930. The building still stands less than two miles from the distillery and has been recommended for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
The 100-proof high-rye bourbon blends 5 1/2-year-old Indiana whiskey with Virginia-distilled bourbon, then finishes in rum barrels from Motherwell’s Ohio distillery — bridging both locations in a single bottle.
Tasting notes describe toasted oak and baking spice on the nose, warm rye spice with caramel and dried fruit on the palate, and a smooth finish with hints of vanilla and rum sweetness.
Where to find it
Brickwater Bourbon is available at Pork Barrel BBQ in Del Ray. Crisler said he is working with Virginia ABC to secure placement in select stores.
Motherwell Distilling Co. is at 877 S. Pickett St. For hours and upcoming events, visit va.motherwelldistilling.co or follow @motherwellalx on Facebook and Instagram.