Blue Sky Distillery sits in Smithfield, Virginia, a small town known more for its ham than its spirits—until Brian and Michelle Hester decided to change that. The couple opened their craft distillery in 2017 after years of home brewing and distilling as a hobby turned serious passion. Their facility operates out of a converted warehouse space on Benns Church Boulevard, where they’ve installed custom copper stills and created a tasting room that feels more like your neighbor’s well-appointed garage than a corporate visitor center. They focus on small-batch spirits with a particular emphasis on whiskey, bourbon, and specialty liqueurs that showcase Virginia ingredients. The Hesters didn’t come from the spirits industry—Brian worked in construction while Michelle handled business operations—but they approached distilling with the methodical precision of people who’ve built things with their hands. Their operation remains deliberately small, producing around 1,000 bottles per month across their various spirits. The distillery reflects their personalities: unpretentious, quality-focused, and genuinely welcoming to visitors who want to understand how spirits are made rather than just sample them. You’ll find them often working the tasting room themselves, eager to explain their processes and share stories about their journey from weekend hobbyists to licensed distillers serving Hampton Roads.
