Starting in October, a legal [Culpeper County backyard distiller](http://www.virginiamoonshine.com) will offer free tours of its operation. That sounds like a good side trip the next time I’m in the area.

Their “Copper Fox” whiskey sounds like it might be pretty good – The owner states, “I cut up barrel staves, put them in bags and place them in the whiskey while it is cooking. Sometimes I get old apple trees from Rappahannock County and use just the heartwood in the same manner. Does it change the flavor? You bet it does.”

Their alcohol is sold through [Virginia ABC stores](http://www.abc.virginia.gov/) and through [Internet Wines and Spirits](http://store.yahoo.com/randalls/index.html).

Read (Fredericksburg Free Lance Star)