The News
Virginia Distillery Co. announced the launch of 'The Split Barrel Project,' its first limited release. The project combines 50/50 bourbon from Bardstown, KY and American Single Malt from Virginia Distillery Co. The bourbon is four-year-old with a mash bill of 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley. The single malt is five-year-old, crafted from 100% malted barley and aged in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels.
For trade professionals, a new hybrid offering is a quick way to see how consumers respond when a brand steps beyond its core category. Virginia Distillery Co.’s Split Barrel Project #1—a 50‑percent blend of Kentucky straight bourbon and American single malt—will arrive in select retail channels beginning May 2026.
The release underscores a broader trend that matters to distributors, on‑premise operators, and shelf planners alike. American single‑malt has grown at an annualized rate of 18 % from 2020 to 2025, roughly three times faster than bourbon’s 5 % CAGR over the same period. Yet it still represents less than 2 % of U.S. whiskey volume, so a product that bridges the two styles can help fill a niche while drawing on bourbon’s larger customer base.
Virginia Distillery operates about 200 aging casks of its own single malt, primarily in ex‑bourbon barrels. The Split Barrel Project #1 therefore relies on sourced bourbon rather than in‑house distillation for its bourbon component, and it is limited to the inventory that can be blended with the 200 casks.
Pricing reflects the hybrid nature: a $44.99 price point for a 750 ml bottle sits below the typical $60–$80 range for premium bourbons and the $70–$90 bracket often associated with American single malts. The lower price may encourage volume sales, but distributors should monitor depletions closely to balance shelf presence against margin expectations.
For on‑premise operators, the blend offers a straightforward cocktail base or an affordable starter single malt for patrons who enjoy bourbon but are curious about single‑malt complexity. Because it is available only through select retailers and online from May 2026, bars should treat it as a limited‑edition highlight rather than a permanent menu item.
In sum, Virginia Distillery’s Split Barrel Project #1 illustrates how a hybrid product can leverage the growth momentum of American single malt while staying anchored to bourbon’s established market. The blend’s pricing, limited availability, and production scale give trade stakeholders concrete levers—volume potential, shelf placement, and promotional timing—to test the waters of cross‑category appeal.
Original Press Release
Virginia Distillery Co. announces the launch of ‘The Split Barrel Project,’ with Project #1 as its first limited release. Split Barrel is an innovative new release designed to unite the beloved richness of Kentucky Straight Bourbon with the layered, nuanced character of American Single Malt. No blend like this has ever been brought to market, making Split Barrel a genuine landmark moment for American whisky. Project #1 is a 50/50 blend of bourbon from Bardstown, KY, sourced from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and American Single Malt from Virginia Distillery Co., offering a bold yet approachable profile aimed at inviting bourbon drinkers into the rapidly growing American Single Malt category.
This inaugural release blends four-year-old Kentucky Bourbon, made from a mash bill of 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley, with five-year-old Virginia Distillery Co. American Single Malt, crafted from 100% malted barley and aged exclusively in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. The result is a harmonious whisky that combines the warmth and sweetness of bourbon with the depth and complexity of single malt.
On the nose, Split Barrel Project #1 (Bardstown) opens with inviting aromas of warm oak, vanilla, and caramel. The palate unfolds with layers of rich malt, stone fruit, and chocolate, delivering a balanced and approachable yet distinctive flavor profile that appeals to both bourbon loyalists and single malt enthusiasts alike.
“The Split Barrel Project is unlike anything else on a back bar or retail shelf,” said Gareth Moore, CEO of Virginia Distillery Co. “We’re creating a gateway into American Single Malt by meeting bourbon drinkers where they are, while still showcasing the depth and character that defines our whisky. It’s a bold step forward in growing the category.”
The Split Barrel Project #1 (Bardstown) will be available beginning May 2026 in limited quantities online at shop.vadistillery.com and through select retailers nationwide. Future editions of The Split Barrel Project will feature new distillery collaborations, each bringing a fresh perspective to this first-of-its-kind American whisky format.
Sources consulted (web research):
- A Virginia Distillery Is Blending Bourbon And Single Malt And It Coul…
- Virginia Spirits Trail Guide
- Virginia Has A Rich History In Bourbon Production
- Virginia Distillery Company Single Malt B1278649
Source: BevNET