NYCWhisky

Founded by David Szlam and Ryan Meany, two accomplished chefs, the Virgil Kaine Lowcountry Whiskey Company of Charleston, South Carolina, began with a simple idea: Let’s take our culinary know-how and use it to make great-tasting whiskey. “Our approach to whiskey making is similar to the great master blenders of Scotland. We take pride in our chef palates, and we understand how to use them to ‘go against the grain’ and create unbelievable new flavor profiles in the whiskey category,” David said. David is considered a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement and recognized there was a growing interest in artisanal and craft beers. He believed he could infuse similar excitement into the bourbon market by introducing alternative processes and flavors. Their goal has been to show that quality isn’t dictated by age, price or long-standing history. The creators were inspired by the legend of Mr. Virgil Kaine—a Civil War era icon who worked the rails as a train conductor by day and, by night, is said to have acted as a bootlegger across the South. The bottle design is also based on Southern history. Like the legend himself, the guys will stop at nothing to make the whiskeys of Virgil Kaine. Each one proves that whiskey making isn’t about stuffy tradition. It’s about taking what you know, taking plenty of chances and taking a few liberties—and not taking no for an answer.