By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
There is something special about seeing a hometown business recognized on a statewide stage, especially when that business has spent years building its reputation one carefully crafted product at a time.
KO Distilling has earned one of the highest honors in Virginia spirits production, taking home the 2026 First Landing Cup after its Bare Knuckle Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey received the highest score among all entries in this year’s statewide competition.
The Manassas-based distillery also earned multiple Gold Medals and Best in Category honors, making it one of the most recognized distilleries in the competition.
Organized by the Virginia Distillers Association and the Virginia Spirits Board, the First Landing Cup celebrates excellence in Virginia-made spirits. Named after the 1607 landing at Cape Henry, the competition honors craftsmanship, innovation, and quality in distilling across the Commonwealth.
More than 100 entries were submitted and judged blind by nationally recognized spirits experts.
A Big Win for a Manassas Distillery
KO Distilling’s Bare Knuckle Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey earned:
- Best in Show and Winner of the 2026 First Landing Cup
- Best in Class for Whiskey
- Best in Category for Rye Whiskey
- Gold Medal honors
The whiskey is bottled between 120–125 proof and retails for approximately $49.99.
The distillery’s Battle Standard 142 Gin also received major recognition, earning:
- Best in Class in the Contemporary Gin category
- “Raccoon’s Pick” for highest quality for the value
- Gold Medal honors
Additional KO products recognized during the competition included:
- KO Distiller’s Reserve Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey — Best in Category (Bourbon) and Gold Medal
- Bare Knuckle Cask Strength Straight Wheat Whiskey — Best in Category (Wheat Whiskey) and Gold Medal
According to the distillery, no other Virginia distillery earned four Gold Medals during the competition.
“Since we opened our doors 11 years ago, we have focused on producing quality artisan spirits that express the terroir of Virginia and showcase the skills of our team,” said Bill Karlson, co-founder of KO Distilling. “We are honored by these accolades and look forward to raising a glass of the best that Virginia has to offer with our team and our customers.”
Built in Manassas
Founded by longtime friends and United States Merchant Marine Academy classmates Bill Karlson and John O’Mara, KO Distilling has become a well-known part of the local craft beverage scene in Prince William County.
The distillery produces a range of spirits, including gin, whiskey, and white whiskey, all crafted at its Manassas facility. Its products are sold throughout Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Delaware.
Beginning in June, the award-winning Gold Medal spirits will also be featured in a Virginia-made spirits promotion at select Virginia ABC stores across the Commonwealth.
For local residents, the recognition represents more than medals and awards. It is another reminder that businesses in our community continue to compete — and win — on a national and statewide level while bringing attention to the growing craft beverage industry here in Prince William County.
Learn more about KO Distilling.
