Our Story

In our family, we believe there is such a thing as a “bourbon gene.” It runs in our blood alcohol level. That’s why we founded Ironclad with a single aim, as simple as it is ambitious: To create the best bourbon, from grain to glass – like Grandma would have liked.

Here’s to the brown blooded.

The distillery

In 1862, one year into the American Civil War, the first ships to be armored in iron engaged in the waters off the Port of Newport News, Virginia. A few hours later, the Navy would be changed forever.

That mighty battle inspired our name. And it’s why we stick to our guns. We make authentic bourbon. That’s it. Nothing else. It’s our Ironclad rule.

Working with some of Virginia’s best grains, our aim is to produce bourbon whiskey that is accessible in flavor and price, while being of the highest quality of production.

Located along the James River, within view of the old Battle of the Ironclads site, Ironclad operates in the prodigious S.W. Holt & Co. warehouse built in 1913.

The inn

Ironclad Inn is the first B & B & B – Bed & Breakfast & Bourbon Tasting Room.

Set within a circa 1793 former private residence, the Inn is where America’s story began. Right in the center of Fredericksburg’s historic downtown, the house remains a comfortable home away from home.

Spread over three storeys, the building retains many of its original features and includes a Bourbon Tasting Room, available to Inn guests and the public, for tastings and cocktails. There is also a walled garden patio and special event spaces on the first and second floors.

Our family