Tarnished Truth Distillery Tour — Virginia Beach, Virginia

Discover the Tarnished Truth Distillery Tour in Virginia

Explore America’s first distillery housed inside a working luxury hotel at Tarnished Truth Distilling Company in Virginia Beach. Located within the historic Cavalier Hotel, this tour reveals how craft bourbon, gin, and vodka are produced in a beautifully restored, prohibition-era setting. Visitors step behind the scenes, see the stills up close, and enjoy a guided tasting in an unforgettable coastal landmark.

Why it’s special:
No other distillery in the country operates inside a world-class hotel. The combination of a historic building, modern craft distilling, and premium tasting experience makes Tarnished Truth one of Virginia’s most distinctive and stylish distillery tours.

History / Story of Tarnished Truth Distillery

Tarnished Truth opened in 2018 inside the iconic 1927 Cavalier Hotel, a property once visited by presidents, celebrities, and prohibition-era elites. The founders sought to blend the hotel’s glamorous past with contemporary small-batch distilling. The result is a boutique distillery producing award-winning bourbons and spirits, all crafted in a setting that preserves the Cavalier’s architectural heritage while celebrating Virginia’s growing distilling culture.

What You’ll See & Do at the Tarnished Truth Distillery Tour

• Tour the distillery rooms inside the historic Cavalier Hotel

• Learn how bourbon, gin, and vodka are distilled in small batches

• View copper stills, mash tanks, and barrel-aging areas

• Hear stories about the Cavalier’s glamorous and notorious past

• Experience a guided tasting of Tarnished Truth spirits (21+ with valid ID)

• Enjoy access to the hotel grounds, tasting bar, and retail shop after your tour

Hands-On Elements: Guided spirit tasting, aroma exploration, and Q&A with staff.
Photo/Video Policy: Photos allowed in designated tour areas; avoid obstructing hotel operations.
Souvenirs & Extras: Bottles, limited releases, tasting kits, glassware, apparel, and premium hotel-branded merchandise.

Pricing of the Tarnished Truth Distillery Tour

Price: $28 per person, including a guided tour and tasting experience.

Practical Info for Visiting Tarnished Truth Distillery

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Format: Guided tour with tasting
Working Hours (Tour Schedule):
Tours run multiple times daily; typical starting hours range between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM, depending on the day. Advance booking is required.

Audience: Adults 21+, couples, hotel guests, spirit enthusiasts, history lovers
Accessibility: Indoors and accessible via hotel elevators and walkways
Safety & Restrictions: Tastings for ages 21+ only; valid ID required
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Private group tours available; school groups not accepted
What to Bring/Wear: ID, comfortable walking shoes; upscale casual attire fits the environment
Facilities: Retail shop, tasting bar, Cavalier Hotel restaurants and lounges, valet and self-parking
Closures: Closed major holidays and during certain hotel private events

Nearby

• Virginia Beach Oceanfront & Boardwalk – Dining, shops, and beach access just minutes away

• The Cavalier Hotel – Historic landmark with restaurants, gardens, and a world-class bourbon bar

• Neptune Statue – Iconic beachfront photo spot

FAQs About Visiting Tarnished Truth Distillery

Do I need a reservation for the tour?
Yes, the distillery requires advance booking and tours frequently sell out.

Can non-hotel guests take the tour?
Absolutely — tours are open to the public.

Is there parking available?
Yes, both valet and self-parking options are available at the Cavalier Hotel.

Are children permitted?
Children may enter the hotel but may not join the distillery tour or tasting.

Do they offer special or seasonal releases?
Yes — the shop often carries exclusive bourbons, gin variations, and limited-release bottles.