A new chapter is beginning for Belle Isle Moonshine.
The Richmond-based liquor maker has branched out to launch Belle Isle Canned Cocktails, which hit shelves in Virginia this week.
The major expansion of its product line comes in response to the canned cocktails craze and follows the startup's mission to make enjoying a cocktail easier, according to Belle Isle.
The Canned Cocktail flavors will include Ruby Red & Soda, Blood Orange & Soda and Shine & Soda. Each flavor is made with Belle Isle’s moonshine, natural juices and carbonation. The 12-ounce cans are 5 percent alcohol by volume and 110 calories or less.
The company's first canning run is limited, as it begins testing preferences for the different flavors. So far, the drinks are being sold at Total Wine, Kroger and other stores in Virginia.
Since launching in 2013, Belle Isle has grown to become one of the largest craft distilleries in Virginia. It has grown to more than 30 full-time employees spread across 14 states, including at least 15 staffers at its local headquarters.
Last year it signed a lease to double its Manchester production space and office, and sales were up more than 150 percent year-over-year for most of 2018, with 10,000 cases sold across 12 states.
Richmonders Vince Riggi and Brian Marks, who co-founded the company, bootstrapped the company for half a year before raising an angel round and eventually a $3.25 million Series A round in 2017. Late last year it was approaching the close of a $5 million convertible note round.
Belle Isle isn't the only Richmond beverage company making moves. Virago Spirits is releasing new experimental gins, Buskey Cider will begin distributing to Northern Virginia in mid-October and Bryant’s Cider is planning a tasting room and production site in Shockoe Bottom.
