It was bound to happen. First came the craft brew craze. Now Falls Church has its very own craft distillery.
Falls Church Distillers, which combines a restaurant, distillery and liquor store under one roof, officially opened its doors on July 8, though Eater DC reports that liquor sales were delayed until July 13 due to a clerical error with an ABC agent. (Virginia stores and restaurants that sell booze are required to register with the Virginia Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control prior to selling spirits.) That didn’t stop the distillery from offering free tastings in the interim.
Located at 442 S. Washington Street, the operation is equipped with a 300-gallon still with plans to produce about 350 bottles per month. Its Great Falls Gin, made with organically grown herbs, comes in fruit-infused flavors such as pineapple and lemon. The Frozen Falls Vodka has a “peppered” option featuring dehydrated pepperoncini for a spicy kick. The Church Bourbon is made from Virginia grains and aged for a minimum of three years in American Oak barrels.
Visitors will also find wine and beer on tap, along with a tightly edited menu of small plates (think antipasti, bruschetta, frittatas, cheese). During tasting hours, the offerings also include gelati with coffee or booze pour-overs.
In keeping with Virginia alcohol laws, liquor bottle sales and “tastings”—consisting of 3-ounce pours with mixer options—will end at 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 6 p.m. on Sunday. But the drinks will keep flowing until 11 p.m. for those inclined to hang out at the bar.
The operation is the vision of owner and Falls Church local Michael Paluzzi, an Air Force veteran, and his son Lorenzo, who holds the title of chief distiller. Other products in the pipeline, according to the outfit’s website, include rum, brandy and blended spirits.