Virago Spirits operates out of a converted warehouse space on Rhoadmiller Street in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition neighborhood, one of the city’s hottest craft beverage districts. Founded in 2016 by Liz Rhoads, a former pharmaceutical sales rep turned distiller, the operation started as a passion project that grew into Richmond’s first woman-owned distillery. Rhoads taught herself distilling through research and experimentation, eventually installing custom copper stills in what was previously industrial space. The distillery focuses on small-batch gin, vodka, and seasonal spirits, with an emphasis on botanical-forward profiles and local ingredients when possible. What began as weekend batches in 2016 has evolved into a full production facility with a tasting room that opened to the public in 2018. The space maintains its industrial warehouse feel with exposed brick, concrete floors, and the gleaming copper stills visible from the tasting area. Virago produces several core spirits including their flagship gin and vodka, plus rotating seasonal offerings that showcase Rhoads’ experimental approach to distilling. The name ‘Virago’ refers to a strong, brave woman—fitting for Richmond’s first female-owned distillery breaking ground in a male-dominated industry.