Our story

At Ironclad Distillery Co., we make authentic bourbon whiskey. That’s it. Nothing else. It’s our Ironclad rule.

 It all began in 2014, when founders Stephen, Kara and Owen King opened the distillery in an historic warehouse in the Port of Newport News, Virginia. Ironclad was so named because it was situated within view of the most famous Civil War naval battle between the first Ironclad ships. That unique location is what inspired us to create a distillery with a single aim: To make the best small bourbon whiskey available.

Each batch of bourbon we make is fermented, distilled and bottled, all under one roof, using the best Virginia corn, wheat, rye and our proprietary blend of malted grains.

Today, we have two Tasting Rooms and a new B&B – Ironclad Inn. Each space is designed to be comfortable and characterful, offering bourbon enthusiasts a unique yet familiar experience every time they visit – a warm and welcoming home away from home where lively stories can be swapped over a tipple or two.