A Bartender and a Banker walked into a bar…
When Jayson Hudson and Jason Hardy, both natives of Blacksburg, VA, moved home to the New River Valley region of Virginia in 2017, they started a local whiskey club called the Bourbon and Rye Drinking Society, or BARDS. Over the next several months they had many whiskey-infused conversations about how great it would be to start their own distillery and be able to bring their vision of good whiskey to the area.
From these conversations, JH Bards was born . . .
We hope you’ll join us for what is certain to be an exciting ride! While we have grand plans for the future, we believe that starting small and earning local support is what’s most important. Connect with us, visit our speakeasy in downtown Blacksburg, and let’s share a taste of Appalachian culture together. We can’t wait to see you soon!
Our Mission.
As an Appalachian distillery located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we believe that our local focus (90% of our ingredients are sourced in Southwest Virginia) and commitment to our mountain heritage shine through in our products.
Our mission is three-fold:
to create exceptional spirits from locally produced and sourced ingredients
to provide education on the history and current trends in the distilled spirit industry
to impart in others an appreciation for both the culture and the science of whiskey
Meet the Team
Jason Hardy — Co-Founder
Having grown up in the South, Jason Hardy has been drinking whiskey off and on since he started teething. Since that time, he has spent countless hours fine tuning his appreciation for fine whiskies and other spirits. His desire to start a distillery was realized when he formed the NRV’s “Bourbon and Rye Tasting Society” (BARDS) in 2016 along with his friend and fellow whiskeyhead Jayson Hudson.
A 29+ year veteran of the banking industry, Jason’s role with J.H. BARDS Spirit Co. is as President and Finance Officer, with duties ranging from overseeing the company’s finances to guiding the company’s sales and growth.
A graduate of Hampden-Sydney College, Jason is married to Kara, his high school sweetheart. They live in Blacksburg with their sons Jackson and Nate, and their dog Maggie, who keeps the family on their toes.
Jayson Hudson — Co-Founder
Sadly, Jayson Hudson passed away on September 21, 2026 after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. His passion for the hospitality industry and JH Bards was eclipsed only by the love for his wife and best friend, Amy. Jayson’s contributions to JH Bards were too numerous to list. We miss his quick wit, ability to fix just about anything, and his ability to make those around him better by imparting his vast knowledge and leading by example.
Ashanti Chamberlin — Brand Ambassador
Kentucky-born and Texas-raised, Ashanti now calls the New River Valley home—where she proudly represents J.H. Bards Spirit Co., the first whiskey distillery in the NRV.
As Brand Ambassador, she connects the distillery’s handcrafted whiskey, vodka, and rye with local restaurants and bars, introducing them to our premium spirits and collaborating to create exclusive specialty cocktails that highlight both their menu and our craftsmanship.
Through strategic partnerships, tastings, and creative storytelling, Ashanti builds brand awareness, fosters community connections, and celebrates the spirit of the NRV—one pour at a time.
