Chesapeake Bay Distillery sits in the heart of Virginia Beach, founded by Chuck and Catherine Miller in 2012. Chuck, a former Navy pilot, and Catherine, who worked in hospitality, decided to combine their love of craft spirits with Virginia’s agricultural heritage. The distillery operates out of a 6,000-square-foot facility on Virginia Beach Boulevard, where they’ve been crafting small-batch spirits using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their copper pot stills produce a range of spirits including bourbon, rye, vodka, and gin, with a focus on traditional methods and Virginia-grown grains. What started as a passion project has grown into one of Virginia’s respected craft distilleries, earning recognition for their commitment to quality and local sourcing. The Millers built their operation from the ground up, learning the craft through trial, error, and mentorship from other distillers. They’ve created a space that feels authentically Virginia, where visitors can taste spirits that reflect the state’s agricultural bounty. The distillery represents that classic American dream story – military service member and spouse turning their retirement passion into a thriving business that serves their community.
