Chesapeake Bay Distillery
Chesapeake Bay Distillery is a Virginia Beach-based craft spirits producer founded in 2005, selling vodkas, rums, tequilas, whiskeys, and liqueurs directly through its on-site tasting room, via Virginia ABC stores, and through contract distilling for external brands.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersVirginia Beach, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Chesapeake Bay Distillery does
Chesapeake Bay Distillery is a privately held craft spirits producer founded in 2005 and headquartered at 437 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, Virginia, where it operates a combined distillery and tasting room. The company produces a portfolio of vodkas, rums, tequilas, whiskeys, and liqueurs organized around the flagship Spirits of the Blue Ridge line (anchored by Blue Ridge Vodka, an 80-proof 100% corn gluten-free vodka that is one of Virginia's first double gold medal products) and the herb-infused Dr. Stoner's sub-brand (Fresh Herb Vodka, Smoky Herb Whiskey, Hierba Loca Tequila, Hierba Madura Bourbon Barrel Aged Tequila, and Island Bush Rum). Proprietary production methods include a 30-hour carbon filtration process for vodka, wild yeast and bacteria collected from Chic's Beach for fermentation of Chic's Beach Rum, and stone-oven caramelization of agave for Dr. Stoner's tequila variants. The company also provides contract distilling services for external brands including Dr. Stoner's and Mutiny Vodka.
The business is primarily direct-to-consumer: the on-site tasting room generates revenue through $8 tasting flights, cocktails, and bottle sales, supplemented by an active local events program (Virginia Bourbon Invitational, Powhatan Festival of the Grape, Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, etc.) and a mailing list for product and event updates. Wholesale distribution is conducted through Virginia ABC stores, the state-controlled retail system. The company targets craft spirit enthusiasts who value smooth, full-flavor products consumable without mixers, as well as the broader Virginia local-producer community. Marketing is conducted via Instagram, Facebook, community sponsorships, and the on-site experience; the website is built on Wix and there is no mobile app, API, or disclosed technology platform beyond the physical production process. The company is founder-led: Chris Richeson, a former engineer, is owner and Master Distiller and is the central figure in the production process, brand story, and contract-distilling relationships. No external investors, parent company, M&A activity, or institutional ownership is disclosed.
Chesapeake Bay Distillery firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Chesapeake Bay Distillery
- Legal name
- Chesapeake Bay Distillery
- Website
- https://chesapeakebaydistillery.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Chesapeake Bay Distillery is a Virginia Beach-based craft spirits producer founded in 2005, selling vodkas, rums, tequilas, whiskeys, and liqueurs directly through its on-site tasting room, via Virginia ABC stores, and through contract distilling for external brands.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Chesapeake Bay Distillery industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Craft Distilled Spirits
- NAICS
- Distilleries (312140), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (4453)
- SIC
- Beverages (2080)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spirits Distilling & Brands (CRADAIAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Distilleries (Tasting Rooms) (THAFALAG), Liquor Stores (Off-Premise Spirits Retail) (CRANABAA)
Keywords
Where Chesapeake Bay Distillery is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Virginia Beach
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Chesapeake Bay Distillery business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- On-site Tasting Room Sales: Direct sales of tasting flights, cocktails, and bottled spirits to visitors at the Virginia Beach tasting room.
- Retail Bottle Sales: Sale of bottled spirits for off-premise consumption through the tasting room and potentially through state liquor stores (ABC Virginia).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | $8 Tasting Flight |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Chesapeake Bay Distillery product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Chesapeake Bay Distillery produces a portfolio of craft spirits including vodkas, rums, tequilas, whiskeys, and liqueurs from its Virginia Beach facility, with sub-brands Blue Ridge Vodka, Chic's Beach Rum, and Dr. Stoner's herb-infused spirits. The distillery sells directly to consumers through its on-site tasting room and through Virginia ABC retail stores, and offers in-person tasting flights and a cocktail menu.
Product overview
Chesapeake Bay Distillery is a craft spirits producer in Virginia Beach offering a portfolio of spirits including vodkas, rums, tequilas, whiskeys, and liqueurs. The main product lines are the flagship Blue Ridge Vodka and Ghost Pepper Infused products, along with the Dr. Stoner's sub-brand featuring herb-infused vodkas, tequilas, whiskeys, and rums. The company operates a tasting room for in-person tastings and sells products directly. The portfolio includes Blue Ridge Vodka (double gold medal winning flagship), Ghost Pepper Infused Vodka, Lemon Liqueur, Chic's Beach Rum, Tequila with Smoked Ghost Pepper, Dr. Stoner's Fresh Herb Vodka, Dr. Stoner's Smoky Herb Whiskey, Dr. Stoner's Hierba Loca Tequila, Dr. Stoner's Hierba Madura Bourbon Barrel Aged Tequila, and Dr. Stoner's Island Bush Rum.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Dr. Stoner's: Herb-infused spirit brand including Fresh Herb Vodka, Smoky Herb Whiskey, Hierba Loca Tequila, Tequila Hierba Madura (Bourbon Barrel Aged), and Island Bush Rum
- Spirits of the Blue Ridge
- Chic's Beach Rum
Products and services
- Blue Ridge Vodka 80-proof vodka made from 100% corn that is gluten free, artfully distilled and filtered through a 30-hour carbon filtration system. Targeted at craft spirit consumers who want smooth vodka that can be enjoyed without mixers.
- Ghost Pepper Infused Vodka 70-proof vodka infused with smoked ghost peppers (Bhut Jolokia) charred to black to release chipotle flavors, providing balanced heat for cocktails, bloody marys, and citrus or ginger mixes. Targeted at craft spirit enthusiasts and cocktail drinkers seeking spicy flavored vodka.
- Lemon Liqueur 40-proof lemon liqueur made with 8 fresh squeezed lemons per bottle, all-natural with no preservatives, described as adult lemonade that is tart but not overly sweet. Distinct from limoncello because it uses juice rather than rind.
- Chic's Beach Rum Rum made with organic panela sugar (super unrefined/unprocessed sugar) featuring hints of butterscotch, orange, and banana. Incorporates wild yeast and bacteria collected from Chic's Beach for a unique local flavor, produced in a sterile, controlled fermentation process.
- Tequila with Smoked Ghost Pepper Tequila made with Weber Blue Agave from Jalisco, Mexico, infused with smoked ghost peppers (Bhut Jolokia). Features floral citrus on the front followed by a smoky layer of advancing spice.
- Dr. Stoner's Fresh Herb Vodka 84-proof vodka flavored and slightly sweetened with 19 herbal scents (primary aromas of basil, pine, hops) plus secondary aromas of natural citrus and fresh botanical essences. Made from 100% corn and gluten free.
- Dr. Stoner's Smoky Herb Whiskey Whiskey using a base aged 2-5 years with primary aromas of smoky herbs, charred grasses, and hops, combining 19 herbs plus 4 charred grasses (23 total flavors). Secondary aromas include coffee, caramel, and cherry. Made from 100% corn and gluten free.
- Dr. Stoner's Hierba Loca Tequila Tequila made from highlands Weber Blue Agave imported from Jalisco, Mexico (8-12 year growth), providing a big bold floral fruity agave flavor. Infused with 19 fresh herbs for a smooth herbal finish without the typical tequila bite. Gluten free.
- Dr. Stoner's Hierba Madura Bourbon Barrel Aged Tequila Dr. Stoner's Tequila Hierba Loca matured in freshly dumped Virginia bourbon barrels. Agave is caramelized in a stone oven and infused with herbs. Features silky smooth bourbon flavor followed by fruity, floral, and slightly smoky agave.
- Dr. Stoner's Island Bush Rum Herb rum with silky notes of vanilla and caramelized fruit flavors, infused with fresh, smoky, and Caribbean herbs. Made using 100% unrefined Panela dark brown sugar and gluten free.
- Tasting Room Experience On-site tasting room at 437 Virginia Beach Blvd where visitors can taste spirits, enjoy cocktail flights, and purchase bottles to take home. Tastings available for $8 per person, operating Thursday through Sunday 12-7 PM.
- Cocktail Menu Featured cocktails served on-site at the tasting room including Basic Beach (Vodka and Club Soda), Cucumber Cooler (Vodka with Lemon Liqueur and Cucumber), Chic's Breeze (Rum with Pineapple and Orange Juices), Strawberry Bay Lemonade, Spicy Watermelon Margarita, Ridge Russian, Classic Spicy Margarita, and Watermelon Splash.
Quantifiable outcome
- One of Virginia's first double gold medal products
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Chesapeake Bay Distillery
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Chesapeake Bay Distillery technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Chesapeake Bay Distillery partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Chesapeake Bay Distillery competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- New Riff Distilling: Kentucky craft distillery producing bourbon, rye, and malt whiskey with a tasting room. Comparable as an independent craft distillery with an owner-operator model and award-focused product strategy.
- Balcones Distilling: Texas-based craft distillery producing distinctive whiskies, rum, and vodka with proprietary production techniques. Comparable as a craft producer emphasizing novel methods and award-winning spirits.
- Koval Distillery: Chicago craft distillery producing whiskey, gin, vodka, and liqueurs with an organic grain focus and tasting room. Comparable as a multi-category craft producer with strong DTC retail.
- St. George Spirits: California craft distillery producing vodka, gin, whiskey, and liqueurs with an experimental product approach. Comparable as a craft producer with diversified spirit categories and brand recognition for unique flavor profiles.
- Catoctin Creek Distilling Company: Virginia-based craft distillery producing whiskey, rye, and brandy with on-site tasting room. Most direct geographic and operational peer to Chesapeake Bay Distillery, both operating as award-winning Virginia craft producers with DTC and ABC store channels.
- Smooth Ambler Spirits: West Virginia craft distillery best known for bourbon and rye whiskey. Comparable as a mid-size craft distillery with award-winning products and a similar founder-led, quality-driven positioning.
- Virginia Distillery Company: Purcellville, Virginia craft distillery focused on American single malt whiskeys with on-site tasting room and ABC store distribution. Direct competitor in Virginia craft spirits with comparable DTC retail model.
- Copper Fox Distillery: Virginia craft distillery producing whisky, vodka, and gin with proprietary malt-smoking processes. Comparable as a Virginia craft producer emphasizing unique production methods and on-site tasting experience.
- Mutiny Vodka: Craft vodka brand previously produced with Chris Richeson's involvement. Directly comparable as a craft vodka with shared distiller heritage, illustrating the founder's prior brand experience.
Broad incumbents
- Tito's Handmade Vodka: Texas-based vodka brand that began as a craft distillery and is now the largest spirits brand in the U.S. Relevant as a corn-based, gluten-free vodka benchmark for Blue Ridge Vodka's category positioning.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Chesapeake Bay Distillery social profiles
Digital presenceChesapeake Bay Distillery financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Chesapeake Bay Distillery leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Chesapeake Bay Distillery funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Chesapeake Bay Distillery M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Chesapeake Bay Distillery
What does Chesapeake Bay Distillery do?
Chesapeake Bay Distillery produces a portfolio of craft spirits including vodkas, rums, tequilas, whiskeys, and liqueurs from its Virginia Beach facility, with sub-brands Blue Ridge Vodka, Chic's Beach Rum, and Dr. Stoner's herb-infused spirits. The distillery sells directly to consumers through its on-site tasting room and through Virginia ABC retail stores, and offers in-person tasting flights and a cocktail menu.
Is Chesapeake Bay Distillery a public or private company?
Chesapeake Bay Distillery is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Chesapeake Bay Distillery founded?
Chesapeake Bay Distillery was founded in 2005. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Chesapeake Bay Distillery based?
Chesapeake Bay Distillery is headquartered in Virginia Beach, United States, in the North America region.
How does Chesapeake Bay Distillery make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. On-site Tasting Room Sales are the primary driver. The others are retail Bottle Sales.
Who are Chesapeake Bay Distillery's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are New Riff Distilling, Balcones Distilling, Koval Distillery, St. George Spirits, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, Smooth Ambler Spirits, Virginia Distillery Company, Copper Fox Distillery and Mutiny Vodka. Tito's Handmade Vodka is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Chesapeake Bay Distillery have an API?
No public API is recorded for Chesapeake Bay Distillery.
What industry is Chesapeake Bay Distillery in?
Chesapeake Bay Distillery's product category is Craft Distilled Spirits. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRADAIAC, Spirits Distilling & Brands, with a secondary code of THAFALAG, Distilleries (Tasting Rooms). Its NAICS code is 312140 and its SIC code is 2080.