Trial & Error Distillery opened in 2019 in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition neighborhood, founded by husband-and-wife team Matt and Jess Brophy. Matt left his career in finance while Jess transitioned from marketing, both drawn to the craft of distilling after years of home experimentation. Their 3,000-square-foot facility on West Main Street houses a 500-gallon copper still and showcases their commitment to transparency in production – you can literally see every step of their process through floor-to-ceiling windows. They focus primarily on whiskey, gin, and seasonal spirits, with everything made from grain to glass on-site. The name reflects their honest approach to craft distilling – acknowledging that great spirits come from learning, adjusting, and perfecting recipes over time. Matt handles production while Jess manages operations, and they’ve built a reputation for being approachable and educational with visitors. The facility doubles as both production space and tasting room, creating an intimate experience where you’re watching spirits being made while you sample them. Their philosophy centers on quality over speed, aging their whiskeys properly rather than rushing products to market. Since opening, they’ve expanded their offerings and become a fixture in Richmond’s growing craft spirits scene.