Orkney Springs Distillery sits in a converted warehouse space on Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, founded by husband-and-wife team David and Sarah Miller in 2019. David left his career as a federal contractor while Sarah stepped away from nonprofit management to chase their shared dream of craft distilling. The 3,000-square-foot facility houses custom copper stills where they produce small-batch bourbon, rye whiskey, and seasonal spirits using traditional methods with modern precision. The Millers spent three years navigating Virginia’s licensing requirements and retrofitting their industrial space into a working distillery and tasting room. David trained under master distillers in Kentucky before returning to Virginia to source local grains and develop their signature mash bills. Sarah handles operations and visitor experiences, creating an atmosphere that feels more like visiting friends than a commercial tour. They’re part of Alexandria’s growing craft beverage scene, joining local breweries in transforming the Del Ray corridor into a destination for spirits enthusiasts. The distillery focuses on grain-to-glass production with a 500-gallon copper pot still as their centerpiece. You’ll find exposed brick walls, industrial lighting, and the constant hum of fermentation tanks creating an authentic working distillery vibe. The small scale means every batch gets personal attention, and visitors often catch David or Sarah personally running production during weekend tours. It’s bourbon-focused but they experiment with seasonal releases that showcase Virginia’s agricultural diversity.