Dave Cuttino
Born 1972
A Journey of Passion, Innovation, and Whiskey Craftsmanship
Dave Cuttino stands as a distinguished figure in the world of American craft distilling. As the co-founder and driving force behind Reservoir Distillery in Richmond, Virginia, his dedication to authenticity, quality, and innovation has helped shape the landscape of contemporary whiskey production. Through a blend of traditional practices and creative exploration, Cuttino has elevated Reservoir Distillery from a local curiosity to a nationally respected brand, earning accolades for both his products and his approach to the craft.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Virginia, Dave Cuttino’s connection to his home state runs deep. Growing up amidst the rolling hills and historic towns of the region, he developed a keen appreciation for the flavors, traditions, and stories that define Southern culture. This appreciation would later serve as the foundation for his foray into whiskey distillation.
Dave’s academic journey took him to some of Virginia’s esteemed educational institutions, where he studied engineering and business—disciplines that would later prove invaluable in both the technical and entrepreneurial aspects of running a distillery. His childhood fascination with mechanical systems, paired with his love for cooking and flavor experimentation, began to converge as he developed a fascination with the science and artistry of spirits.
From Passion to Profession: The Birth of Reservoir Distillery
The origins of Reservoir Distillery can be traced to a moment of inspiration—one born from Dave’s personal quest for exceptional whiskey. Disillusioned with many of the mass-produced options available, he set out to create a spirit that captured the essence of Virginia’s terroir and honored the craftsmanship of traditional American distilling.
In 2008, after years of research, experimentation, and careful planning, Dave Cuttino founded Reservoir Distillery in Richmond. His goal was clear: to produce world-class whiskeys using local grains, pure water, and time-honored techniques—while also infusing each bottle with a sense of place and personality.
Crafting Distinctive Whiskey
One of Dave’s core innovations at Reservoir is the emphasis on single grain distillation. Rather than blending corn, wheat, and rye into a “mash bill” as is typical in bourbon production, Reservoir creates straight whiskeys made from 100% corn, wheat, or rye. This approach allows each grain’s unique character to shine, offering drinkers an opportunity to appreciate the individual flavors and complexities that each brings to the table.
Dave’s meticulous attention to detail extends to every step of the distillation process. He is known for working closely with local farmers to source the highest quality grains—an approach that not only supports the regional agricultural community but also ensures freshness and traceability. The distillery’s small-batch production model allows for greater control over fermentation, distillation, and aging, resulting in spirits that are as consistent as they are distinctive.
Innovation and Experimentation
While rooted in tradition, Dave Cuttino is never afraid to experiment. Under his leadership, Reservoir Distillery has become a proving ground for new ideas in aging, blending, and flavor development. From playing with barrel sizes and toasting levels to exploring unique finishes, Dave’s philosophy is that every element of the process offers an opportunity for discovery.
Reservoir’s signature line includes their 100% Corn Whiskey, Wheat Whiskey, and Rye Whiskey, each aged in small, five-gallon barrels that accelerate maturation and impart intense flavor. But Dave’s curiosity doesn’t stop there; limited releases and collaborations with other craft producers—such as local breweries and wineries—have yielded inventive expressions that consistently surprise and delight whiskey enthusiasts.
Building a Brand and a Community
From the outset, Dave understood that Reservoir Distillery was about more than just spirits; it was about building a brand that reflected the values and personality of its founder and its city. Richmond’s vibrant arts and culinary scene provided fertile ground for the brand’s growth, and Dave has been a tireless advocate for both local business and the broader craft spirits movement.
Reservoir’s tasting room has become a gathering place for whiskey lovers, offering tours, education, and a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond the bottle. Dave’s hands-on approach—whether leading tastings, mentoring new distillers, or participating in community events—has helped foster a loyal following and a reputation for genuine hospitality.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Reservoir Distillery has garnered numerous awards and honors, a testament to Dave Cuttino’s commitment to excellence. The distillery’s whiskeys have received high marks from competitions such as the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and earned praise from industry critics and publications. These accolades have helped place Reservoir on the map, drawing attention to the creativity and quality emerging from Virginia’s craft spirits scene.
Education and Advocacy
Dave’s influence extends well beyond Reservoir’s walls. As an advocate for craft distilling, he has worked to promote transparency, quality standards, and responsible practices within the industry. He frequently speaks at conferences, judges competitions, and collaborates with other distillers to advance the cause of small-scale, independent producers.
Mentorship has become an integral part of Dave’s legacy. He is known for welcoming aspiring distillers into his facility, offering advice and encouragement, and sharing the lessons learned from his own journey. In doing so, he has helped cultivate the next generation of craft spirits entrepreneurs.
Personal Philosophy and Legacy
At the heart of Dave Cuttino’s approach is a belief that great whiskey tells a story—one shaped by place, process, and people. He sees Reservoir Distillery as a canvas for expressing both his personal values and the unique character of Virginia. By combining rigorous scientific methods with a spirit of creativity and risk-taking, Dave has managed to strike a balance between consistency and innovation.
His legacy is not merely in the bottles that bear Reservoir’s label, but in the relationships and community he has built. Whether through supporting local agriculture, championing sustainable practices, or fostering connections among whiskey lovers, Dave’s impact resonates throughout Richmond and beyond.
Looking to the Future
As Reservoir Distillery continues to grow, Dave remains committed to the principles that launched his journey. He continues to push boundaries, seek out new ideas, and inspire others to pursue their own paths in the world of craft spirits. With each new release, he reaffirms his dedication to quality, authenticity, and the enduring art of whiskey making.
In the world of American whiskey, Dave Cuttino stands out as both a steward of tradition and a catalyst for change. His story, like the spirits he crafts, is one of passion, perseverance, and an unyielding belief in the power of craftsmanship.