History

Caiseal Beer & Spirits Co was founded in 2017 by Randy Thomas and business partner Bjorn Marshall. Randy is a Texas-born former naval commander, and together they built a company that combines distillation of high-quality spirits with the brewing of craft beer under the same roof. The headquarters are located at The Vanguard in Hampton, Virginia, a renovated artillery regiment site that now functions as a brewpub, concert hall, and distillery. Caiseal's identity is tied to the history of distillation and binds the brand to our physical location and past.

Production/Manufacturing

Caiseal produces spirits and beer in Hampton and has a combined distillery and brewery in The Vanguard. According to the company description, the site was created as a multifunctional space for distilling high-quality spirits and brewing a wide range of craft beers under one roof. The products are produced in our facilities and showcased in a historic environment through taps, cocktails, and recipes. The headquarters are in The Vanguard, an Armory building that serves as a brewpub and music venue, and where Caiseal products are produced and presented.

Products / Whisky Series

Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey — 45% ABV (90 proof), 750 ml; Tasting notes: leather, oak tones, caramel, brown sugar, and oatmeal-raisin cookie. Single Malt whiskey — 45% ABV (90 proof), 750 ml; Tasting notes: vanilla, nutty, honey, bread, and wood. Peated American Single Malt whiskey — 50% ABV (100 proof), 750 ml; Tasting notes: leather, peat smoke, maple, campfire, earthy. Single Malt — 45% ABV (90 proof), 750 ml; Tasting notes: earthy, nutty, slightly tequila-esque. Vintage Gin — 50% ABV (100 proof), 750 ml; Tasting notes: candied orange peel, baking spices, red wine tannins. Gin — 40% ABV (80 proof), 750 ml; Tasting notes: citrus, orange, juniper, ginger, refreshing. Vodka — 40% ABV (80 proof), 750 ml; Tasting notes: crisp, clean, gentle on the palate.

Visits / Experiences

Caiseal is part of The Vanguard, which is a brewpub, distillery, and music venue in Hampton. The Vanguard is described as a place where creativity meets craftsmanship and where you can experience Caiseal craft beer and spirits through taps, cocktails, and the menu in the full-service restaurant. The building is the historic Hampton National Guard Armory, built in 1936-37, and The Vanguard aims to revive the community spirit and serve as a gathering place for the local craft beer and spirits enthusiasts.

Philosophy

Caiseal is the Gaelic word for a circular stone ringfort used as a refuge and defensive site in ancient Ireland. Caiseal forts symbolize perseverance and security. The brand connects the history of distillation with our physical location in Hampton and the historic The Vanguard and seeks to create a space where craft and creativity meet, and where the products are presented in a historical and community-oriented framework.