The Virginia Distillery Wingalore Spirits BRRRRT! Bourbon FIghtin’ O’s

The Virginia Distillery Wingalore Spirits BRRRRT! Bourbon FIghtin’ O’s 50%-ABV, 700ml Bottles.

About WIngalore Spirits:

Winglore Spirits is a whiskey company founded by fighter pilots, known for its aviation-themed branding and focus on camaraderie and storytelling. Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, the company operates as an independent bottler and blender, collaborating with other distilleries to create its products.

Founders and philosophy

The founders—Ernesto Howard, Jonathan Dippold, Robert Raymond, and Erik Brine—are former fighter pilots who launched the company in 2024 to honor their community and its culture. The brand is built around three pillars:

• Toast: Celebrates moments of victory and resilience.
• Roast: Represents the humorous and good-natured ribbing found in the squadron community.
• Lore: Preserves and honors the stories and traditions of aviation.

Products

As of October 2025, Winglore Spirits has two main products, though one has sold out:

• Bogey Dope Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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  A 100-proof, Bottled-in-Bond bourbon aged for seven years. It has a mash bill that is corn and rye forward with some malt.

• Nickel on the Grass American Single Malt Whisky

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  This initial batch has sold out, but the company anticipates having more available for pre-order in October 2025.

Branding and packaging

The company worked with the branding agency Makers & Allies to create a distinctive identity. According to the agency, the design was inspired by the angular geometry of a fighter jet and features:

• Custom-designed glass bottles
• An embedded crest plaque that evokes aviation insignia
• A magnetic closure that secures a removable medallion
• Embossed "Easter eggs" in the glass for aviation enthusiasts

Community and charitable work

Winglore Spirits aims to be more than just a whiskey brand by engaging with the aviation community. It supports veteran and aviation-based charities and invites customers to share their own stories via an interactive label concept.

Fundraising

In 2025, Winglore Spirits conducted a crowdfunding campaign on the NetCapital platform. The funds were to be used for marketing and distribution, product development, personnel, and administrative expenses.