Bill Dodson

Origins & Mission.  In 2014–15, Dr. Bill Dodson—an accomplished endodontist, former Aerospace Engineer, and dedicated living‑history reenactor—launched 8 Shires Coloniale Distillery with a specific mission: to Resurrect early American distillation techniques from approximately 1578 to 1797.  Named after the original eight shires of Colonial Virginia, the distillery focuses on “applied archaeology”, not merely replicating old recipes but also faithfully reproducing historic practices, equipment, and environments.

Historic Equipment & Fermentation, Alembic-style copper still:  Dodson collaborated with master coppersmith Steve Eisenhart to recreate a 1750s-era alembic still descended from Eisenhart’s great-great-great-grandfather’s design.  The 15-gallon still evokes both scientific craft and colonial simplicity.

Open-air fermenting:  Using 5½-foot wooden tanks without temperature control, the distillery encourages intentional ester formation—capturing the funk and complexity those early processes yielded historic grains & spirits.  Dodson sources heirloom maize grown on Algonquin tribal lands and other period-appropriate grains—wheat, barley, and molasses—authentic to early colonial distillation.

Little-known Gems:  Oxygen-driven esters in open fermenters replicate the “funky” character of 17th‑18th century whiskey—a deliberate aesthetic choice.

Flagship spirits include:  Williamsburg Bourbon (aged ~3 yrs): based on the seminal reverend George Thorpe corn whiskey recipe from the 1620s. Jamestown gin: distilled with juniper and colonial grains, earning a double gold medal at the 2016 micro-liquor competition.

Yorktown Silver Rum: inspired by 18th-century recipes, made from organic molasses, and earning medals across Adi, Denver, Los Angeles, and micro-iquor events.

Jamestowne 1608 single malt:  Perhaps 8 shires’ most audacious creation: in partnership with Jamestown rediscovery, Dodson bottled Jamestown 1608, a single malt whiskey using barley, water from the original 1608 well, and an authentically reconstructed alembic still. Limited to ~100–500 bottles, this is arguably the most historically accurate—and expensive—Virginia spirit ever released.

Interactive tasting experience:  The 8 Shires tasting room immerses guests in colonial life: plank wood floors, Windsor chairs, barrel‑top tables, period.

Board games:  Costumed interpreters demonstrating grinding, fermentation, distillation.  Hands-on tasting of “white dog,” colonial‑style cocktails like stone fence and grog—with historical storytelling from Dr. Dodson.

Scholarship & public history impact:  Spirits foundation (2017): a 501(c)(3) established to advance colonial distillation research and public outreach. 

Spirits museum (2023): A virtual public museum featuring exhibitions like “birth of an industry,” reflecting Dodson’s commitment to academic rigor and cultural heritage.  Dodson’s historical education is visible beyond distilling: he’s recounted how “whiskey from maize” predates Kentucky bourbon,

Impact & recognition:  Consistent “best of Virginia” votes from Virginia Living since 2016. 

Cultural Tourism Draw: a highlight on the Virginia spirits trail, enhancing Williamsburg’s historical tourism alongside museums and plantations.

Educational Outreach: Dodson leads virtual “tavern talks” and public lectures—for groups like the sons of the revolution—blending distilling with early American history.

Dr. Bill Dodson is a Rare Breed:  An enthusiastic academic, hands-on craftsman, and storyteller. 8 Shires Coloniale Distillery is not just about spirits—it’s about reviving lost sensory histories through scientifically informed distillation and immersive interpretation. If you want to experience a dram of America’s earliest distilled heritage, enriched with art, science, and narrative, few places are as authentic as 8 shires.

Contributed by: Rob Morton, Rosedale, Maryland