Tarnished Truth Distilling Co
Craft spirits born in the historic Cavalier Hotel, offering tours, tastings, and a taste of Virginia's finest bourbon.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Tarnished Truth Distilling Co
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Craft spirits born in the historic Cavalier Hotel, offering tours, tastings, and a taste of Virginia's finest bourbon.
"The distillery is in the grand cavalier hotel, and it is gorgeous. The staff is amazing, and the bourbon tasting tour is great."
🎯 Book Online for Tours
Tours are popular! Secure your spot in advance via their website to avoid missing out .
🏨 Explore the Cavalier
Arrive early to soak in the historic Cavalier Hotel's ambiance before your distillery tour .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Distillery Tour & Tasting
Tarnished Truth Distilling Co.
An engaging and informative journey through the spirit-making process, culminating in a delightful tasting session.

Old Cavalier Bourbon
Tarnished Truth Distilling Co.
Experience their signature 9-year-old bourbon, a highlight for many visitors seeking quality spirits.

Historic Cavalier Hotel
Virginia Beach
The distillery's stunning location within this iconic hotel adds a layer of historical charm to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Location & Hotel Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Online for Tours
Tours are popular! Secure your spot in advance via their website to avoid missing out.
🏨 Explore the Cavalier
Arrive early to soak in the historic Cavalier Hotel's ambiance before your distillery tour.
🥃 Taste the Old Cavalier
Don't miss the chance to sample their highly-rated 9-year-old Old Cavalier Bourbon.
💰 Great Value Tasting
The $19 tour and tasting is considered excellent value for the experience and spirits offered.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Online for Tours
Tours are popular! Secure your spot in advance via their website to avoid missing out.
🏨 Explore the Cavalier
Arrive early to soak in the historic Cavalier Hotel's ambiance before your distillery tour.
🥃 Taste the Old Cavalier
Don't miss the chance to sample their highly-rated 9-year-old Old Cavalier Bourbon.
💰 Great Value Tasting
The $19 tour and tasting is considered excellent value for the experience and spirits offered.
🍽️ Plan for a Meal
Consider dining at the Hunt Room restaurant after your tour for a complete experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the informative and entertaining distillery tours at Tarnished Truth, highlighting the knowledgeable and engaging guides. The quality of the spirits, particularly the Old Cavalier Bourbon and the moonshine, receives high marks, with many guests purchasing bottles to take home. The unique setting within the historic Cavalier Hotel adds a significant layer of appeal to the overall experience.
"The tour was perfect! Gave lots of info, but wasn't too long. The bourbon here is fantastic, and the moonshine was the best I've tasted. It's definitely worth it to pay extra for a taste of the premium bourbon! Great experience!"
Sarah Haley
"Entertaining and informative distillery tour! The guide was funny and had great pacing. Enjoyed the tasting portion too, where the guide had helpful answers to all the questions from the group. The distillery is inside a super swanky hotel so that's a cool experience in itself.
Because the Hunt Room restaurant was closed, we got to peek inside and learn about the history there, too."
Hanting Kniphuisen
"Had a great experience with our tour at Tarnished Truth! Our tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable. I ended up taking home MOST of what I tried there. I am a history buff as well as a whiskey fan so this scratched both itches. I definitely want to go back to enjoy a meal at the Hunt Room someday. Worth the trip!"
Justin Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tarnished Truth Distilling Co. is located within the historic Cavalier Hotel at 4200 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA. You can drive and park at the hotel, or use ride-sharing services. Many visitors find it a convenient stop during their Virginia Beach trip.
Yes, parking is available at the Cavalier Hotel. Valet and self-parking options are typically offered, though fees may apply. It's advisable to check the hotel's current parking rates.
Yes, Virginia Beach and the surrounding Hampton Roads area have other distilleries like Waterman Spirits and Chesapeake Bay Distillery, making it a great region for spirits enthusiasts.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tours typically cost around $19 per person, which includes a tasting. This is widely considered a great value for the experience and the quality of spirits offered.
It is highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially for weekend visits, as they can fill up quickly. You can usually book directly through their website.
Tour availability and hours can vary. It's best to check the official Tarnished Truth Distilling Co. website for the most up-to-date schedule and booking information.
Yes, you can purchase bottles of their spirits directly from the distillery's gift shop. Many visitors end up buying their favorites after the tasting.
Yes, you must be of legal drinking age (21 years or older) to participate in the tasting portion of the tour. Identification may be required.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour is described as entertaining, informative, and well-paced, lasting about an hour. Guides are knowledgeable about both the spirits and the history of the Cavalier Hotel.
The tasting typically includes samples of their various spirits, allowing you to experience their rye, bourbon, and potentially other offerings like bourbon cream. Guides are happy to answer questions.
Absolutely! The distillery is housed within the historic Cavalier Hotel, and tours often incorporate the hotel's rich history, making it a great experience for history enthusiasts.
The atmosphere is often described as swanky and grand, thanks to its location in the Cavalier Hotel. The tasting room itself is noted as being beautiful.
Yes, the distillery has a gift shop where you can purchase bottles of their spirits, as well as branded merchandise like Glencairn glasses.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the distillery itself focuses on spirits, it's located within the Cavalier Hotel, which offers dining options like the Hunt Room restaurant. Some special events may include food pairings.
Yes, the Cavalier Hotel has several dining establishments, including the renowned Hunt Room, where you can enjoy a meal after your tour and tasting.
Many bars and restaurants in Virginia Beach, including those at the Cavalier Hotel, feature cocktails made with Tarnished Truth spirits. You can also find ready-to-drink (RTD) options from the brand.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, visitors are generally encouraged to take photos during the tour to capture the experience and the beautiful surroundings of the Cavalier Hotel.
The distillery's location within the grand Cavalier Hotel offers many picturesque opportunities. The tasting room and the distilling equipment itself are also popular subjects for photos.
Yes, you can photograph the spirits you are tasting. Many visitors enjoy capturing the amber hues of the bourbons and ryes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples & Date Nights
🥃 Whiskey Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spirits of Tarnished Truth
The distillery's approach involves both distilling and aging their spirits, often sourcing some initial product and then further refining it at their Virginia Beach facility. This dual approach allows them to control the quality and develop distinct characteristics. For those interested in unique flavors, the Old Cavalier Bourbon Cream is also a highly recommended treat, offering a rich and decadent experience. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey aficionado or new to the world of spirits, Tarnished Truth offers an approachable and enjoyable tasting experience.
Many visitors leave with bottles of their favorites, a testament to the quality and appeal of the spirits. The opportunity to taste before buying is a significant draw, allowing patrons to make informed purchasing decisions. The brand's commitment to craft and local sourcing resonates with visitors looking for authentic Virginia-made products.
The Cavalier Hotel: A Historic Backdrop
Being inside the Cavalier means that a visit to Tarnished Truth can easily be combined with other activities. Guests can explore the hotel's amenities, enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants like the Hunt Room, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this iconic establishment. The hotel's history, which dates back to the 1920s, offers a fascinating backdrop, and tours sometimes touch upon these historical elements, appealing to history buffs. This integration of a historic hotel with a modern distillery creates a multi-faceted experience that goes beyond just a tasting.
The grandeur of the Cavalier Hotel enhances the overall visit, making it feel like a special occasion. The elegant tasting room and the hotel's opulent interiors contribute to a memorable outing, whether you're there for a date night or a casual afternoon exploration. The combination of fine spirits and a historic setting is a key reason why Tarnished Truth is a popular destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit