Nestled on a picturesque 100-acre farm in Lovettsville, a new distillery is about to open its doors, bringing a 20-year dream to life.
John Fuog, founder of Cool Spring Distillery at 37871 Nicewarner Lane, likens opening a distillery to learning Latin -- figuring it out along the way is part of the fun, he says.
“It's a very interesting journey to go through,” Fuog told InsideNoVa.
That journey began in earnest four years ago when Fuog, a building contractor by trade, purchased the farm and began transforming his vision into reality.
"I'm just a working guy, so I had to try to get people smarter than me to help me along the way, so I don't step on my own toes too much," Fuog said.
With two friends as investors -- Ronnie Sirk and Roberto Grisi -- Fuog embarked on a process of building the distillery, navigating the complex world of alcohol production with careful steps and professional guidance.
Fuog said his early experience selling apple cider at a Kmart parking lot decades ago sparked an interest that would eventually develop into the distillery endeavor.
Last Friday marked a significant milestone when the Cool Springs received its Virginia ABC license approval.
Fuog said the distillery's name carries local significance. It honors the farm's history, specifically a perpetual spring that has never dried up, originally named by a longtime friend of Fuog and the "patriarch of the farm" whose family has been on the property since 1967.
Cool Spring Distillery currently offers three approved liquors, with plans for expansion. The current lineup includes rum, bourbon and a lemon liqueur the distillery calls "Lovettscello."
Fuog said the business is a family affair. He and his wife own the farm, one of his stepsons manages the distillery, and his 9-year-old grandson is already involved in lending a hand.
Tarah Nine, Fuog’s daughter-in-law, agreed the distillery is a family business, but she said Fuog is the “ringmaster” of the operation.
The road hasn't been without its challenges. From navigating complex licensing requirements to unexpected bottling issues -- like discovering the bottle tops they ordered didn’t fit the first go-round -- Fuog and his team have maintained a collaborative, problem-solving attitude.
The distillery aims to be more than just a business. The farm is under a conservation easement to protect it from future development. Fuog envisions a welcoming space where the community can gather and enjoy the mountain views.
As Fuog puts it, the team is taking "baby steps" toward their dream of making a mark on Virginia's craft spirits landscape.
Cool Springs will open to the public June 14 for a soft grand opening celebration featuring live bluegrass and blues music and food. Leesburg native Lewis Lee will perform along with the Nighthawks. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online or at the door, and children under 12 are free. Ford's Fish Shack will also be at the opening, with doors opening at 12:30 p.m.
Neighbors have jumped to help with the opening, Fuog said.
“Everybody wants to be a part of success and good vibes,” he noted. “This is a legacy business. This is something for future generations to come out here and enjoy.”