Spirits
Eight Shires Line
WARROSQUYOAKE SHIRE
STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
Maize (corn) was first documented in mash production in 1620 in Charles City, VA by the Reverend George Thorpe. It’s said that Thorpe distilled corn beer, and thus made what would later become known as Bourbon whiskey. 8 Shires distillery is currently the only distillery using heritage Indian corn as base for its American Colonial wheat style bourbon.
CHARLES CITY SHIRE
SMYTH's ORIGINAL WHITE WHISKEY
(NEW RELEASE!)
In 1618 John Smyth, the financier of Berkley Plantation in Virginia, sent over 30 well-provisioned colonists with aqua vitae, beer, wine and cider. Nevertheless, the colonists shortly complained of only water to drink (something avoided by the English at all costs). Reprovisioned with a still, they malted a new grain called maize, and created a brew "soe goode" and better than 'good stronge Englishe beare.' This bottle presents 8 Shires recreation of English America's first maize whiskey, the Father to Bourbon.
HENRICO SHIRE
GOLD RUM
Since 18th century whiskeys were no more refined than moonshine, Rum’s superior taste quickly launched it to market domination, inciting war and piracy for its possession. To impress and influence his constituency, George Washington demanded only Caribbean aged rum for his inauguration. This 8 Shires Distillery Caribbean style barrel aged rum is the only known rum using 18th century style molasses.
ACCOMAC SHIRE
SPICED RUM
Since 18th century whiskeys were no more refined than moonshine, Rum’s superior taste quickly launched it to market domination, inciting war and piracy for its possession. Spiced rums were prepared by the batch at the tavern or table side by the customer. This 8 Shires Distillery Caribbean style rum is the only known rum using 18th century style molasses.
WARWICK RIVER SHIRE
SILVER RUM
Thought to be first produced from the left over molasses from sugar production, modern Rum is produced from sweet molasses or sugar, much different from colonial molasses.
8 Shires Distillery recombines molasses components to recreate colonial style molasses for Rum production.
JAMES CITY SHIRE
GENEVER GIN
Originally thought to have developed in Holland as an herbal medication, Whiskey-based ‘Genever Gin’ from grains including American Maize (corn) quickly rose to popularity. Gin came to the Americas through England when Dutch King William, along with his wife Mary, abdicated the English throne. 8 Shires distillery is currently the only distillery using heritage Indian Corn as base for its Genever Gin.
Historic Spirits
Jamestowne 1608
Single Malt Whiskey
This single malt whiskey is a reproduction of the first spirit brought to America, possibly also made by the Jamestown settlers. 1608 is the pride and joy of Eight Shires and Jamestown Rediscovery; Hand crafted to perfection using only the most period accurate ingredients and methods. This one-of-a-kind box set is priced at $1,200 and sold exclusively at Eight Shires facilities right outside Williamsburg.
