How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

Virginia

Open Road Distilling Co

Reston,

Virginia

— Bourbon, Rye

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🏢

Business Park

Hidden gem in Reston complex

🌾

Virginia Grains

Local farms to copper still

🥃

Experimental Batches

Flavored whiskeys alongside traditional bourbon

👨‍🔬

Meet The Maker

Finance background brings methodical precision

🔍

Production Floor

See the still while you sip

📍

Metro Access

DC area’s suburban craft distillery

📞 (703) 481-2350

🌐 https://openroaddistillingco.com/

📍 1871 Fountain Dr suite 200, Reston, VA 20190, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Suburban Whiskey Pioneer In Northern Virginia

Open Road Distilling Co sits in a modern business complex in Reston, Virginia, launched in 2019 by founder and head distiller Tyler Hegamyer. After years working in corporate finance, Hegamyer decided to chase his passion for craft spirits and opened this Northern Virginia operation. The distillery occupies a 3,000-square-foot space where they produce small-batch bourbon, rye, and flavored whiskeys using a custom-built 250-gallon copper pot still. What started as a weekend hobby turned into a full-time venture when Hegamyer realized the DC metro area needed more local distilleries. The operation focuses on traditional American whiskey production with some creative twists, sourcing grains from Virginia farms when possible. You’ll find them producing everything from straight bourbon to more experimental flavored varieties, with a philosophy centered on quality over quantity. The space doubles as both production facility and tasting room, giving visitors an up-close look at the entire process from grain to glass.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Finance Meets Fermentation Methodical Craft Approach

Open Road stands out as one of the few craft distilleries serving the Northern Virginia suburbs, filling a gap in the DC metro area’s spirits landscape. Hegamyer’s background in finance brought a methodical approach to recipe development and business operations that shows in their consistent quality. They’ve focused heavily on building relationships with local Virginia grain suppliers, supporting the state’s agricultural community while creating a true farm-to-bottle experience. The distillery also embraces experimentation more than many traditional operations, releasing flavored whiskeys alongside their straight spirits. Their location in Reston puts them uniquely positioned to serve both serious whiskey enthusiasts from DC and casual suburban visitors looking for something different.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Small Space Big Character

You’ll step into a compact but well-designed tasting room that connects directly to the production floor, so you can see the copper still and aging barrels while you sample. The atmosphere feels more like visiting someone’s well-appointed garage workshop than a polished tourist destination. Tastings typically include their core lineup of bourbon and rye, along with whatever experimental batches they’re currently pouring. The staff, often including Hegamyer himself, walks you through their production process and explains the differences between their various expressions. The experience feels intimate and educational rather than flashy.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Perfect for Local Whiskey Exploration

If you’re exploring Virginia’s craft distillery scene or live in the Northern Virginia area, Open Road offers a solid introduction to small-batch whiskey production without the crowds you’d find at larger operations. It’s particularly appealing to folks who want to meet the actual distiller and understand the nuts and bolts of the process. Don’t expect elaborate tours or fancy amenities, but do expect knowledgeable conversation and well-made spirits. The location makes it an easy addition to other Reston area activities, though it’s probably not worth a special trip from far away unless you’re a completist collector of Virginia distilleries.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their website before visiting since hours can vary based on production schedules. The distillery is tucked into a business park, so GPS coordinates are helpful for finding the exact suite. Weekend visits often offer the best chance to meet Hegamyer and get the full story behind the operation. Ask about their experimental batches if you’re interested in tasting something beyond their standard lineup. Parking is readily available in the business complex, and the space is small enough that you won’t need to block out more than an hour for your visit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Open Road Distilling Co — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make a reservation for tastings?

Reservations aren’t required, but it’s smart to call ahead since it’s a small operation and hours can vary based on production schedules. This also ensures someone will be available to give you the full experience.

How long should I plan for a visit?

Most visits last about 45 minutes to an hour. The space is compact, so you’ll see everything and taste their lineup without needing to block out your whole afternoon.

Can I meet the distiller?

There’s a good chance you’ll meet founder Tyler Hegamyer, especially on weekends. He’s hands-on with the operation and enjoys talking with visitors about the distilling process and his journey from finance to whiskey making.

GETTING THERE

Find Open Road Distilling Co

📍1871 Fountain Dr suite 200, Reston, VA 20190, USA

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📞 (703) 481-2350

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