United States > West Virginia

Nicknamed the “Mountain State” for its majestic Appalachians, West Virginia has stunning scenery (New River Gorge) and a rich cultural heritage. While moonshine may be its liquid legend, rum has a surprising recent twist. Following its separation from Virginia in 1863, West Virginia’s distilling scene boomed, reaching 100 distilleries by the end of the century. Prohibition (1920s) saw a shift. The state’s mountainous landscape made it a prime location for rum runners, bootleggers, and moonshiners. In 2008, a rum distillery was set up, kickstarting a craft rum revival. Explore West Virginia’s craft distilleries and local rum on your next visit.