Maryland is a great place to be a whiskey lover, thanks to its wide selection of distilleries and its proud history of producing top-notch spirits. Rye whiskey has been produced in Maryland for centuries, and the state has become synonymous with this classic spirit. With over 20 licensed distilleries, 80 wineries and 100 breweries, there's no shortage of places to find a quality bottle of Maryland rye whiskey.
One of the most well-known Maryland distilleries is Sagamore Spirit. Located in Baltimore, Sagamore Spirit is known for producing some of the finest rye whiskeys available today. Their flagship product is the Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey, which is made with a unique blend of grains that yield an incredibly smooth and flavorful finish. Another popular offering from Sagamore Spirit is their Cask Strength Rye Whiskey, which has been aged in new oak barrels and boasts an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 55%.
In addition to Sagamore Spirit, there are many other excellent whiskey distilleries located througout Maryland. In Annapolis you can find Lyon Distilling Company, where they specialize in small batch spirits made from locally sourced ingredients. In Frederick you can visit Tenth Ward Distilling Company, where they produce handcrafted spirits including rye whiskey and bourbon. And in Bethesda you can visit Calvert Distillery Company which creates award winning single malt whiskies as well as Irish style whiskeys.
So if you're looking for a great bottle of Maryland rye whiskey or any other type of spirit then check out one of these outstanding distilleries located throughout the state! From smooth ryes to bold bourbons and everything in between, you're sure to find something special when you explore the wonderful world of Maryland whiskey distilleries!
Types of Whiskey Produced in Maryland
Maryland is home to a variety of rye whiskeys, produced by distilleries located throughut the state. The most popular Maryland rye whiskey is Pikesville Supreme, produced by Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. The whiskey is aged for six years and bottled at 110 proof. Other well-known Maryland rye whiskeys include Old Overholt, produced by Beam Suntory in Clermont, Kentucky; and Rittenhouse Rye, produced by Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Additional Maryland whiskey producers are also producing high-quality products, including Rock Town Distillery in Little Rock, Arkansas; Baltimore Whiskey Company in Baltimore, Maryland; Sagamore Spirit in Baltimore; and Lyon Distilling Company on Maryland's Eastern Shore. All of these producers craft unique expressions that showcase the best of what Maryland rye whiskey has to offer.
Number of Distilleries in Maryland
Maryland is home to approximately 20 distilleries. These distilleries are located all across the state, from the Chesapeake Bay region to the Appalachian Mountains. They produce a wide variety of spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, whiskey and brandy. The industry has grown significantly in recent years, with many new distilleries opening up and existing ones expanding their operations. There are now over 20 distilleries in Maryland that employ hundreds of people and generate millions of dollars in state revenue.
Is Distilling Alcohol Legal in Maryland?
Yes, you can distill alcohol in Maryland, provided you have the appropriate licenses. To do so, you must have both Class 1 and Class 2 distilling licenses. With a Class 1 license, you are permitted to distill brandy, rum, whiskey, alcohol, and neutral spirits. You can find applications for these licenses online.
Source: musthavemalts.com
Conclusion
In conclusion, the whiskey distillery industry in Maryland is thriving. From its popular rye whiskey during the American Civil War to its current production of brandy, rum, whiskey, alcohol and neutral spirits, Maryland's distilleries are contributing greatly to both the economy and culture of the state. With a Class 1 and Class 2 license required to operate a distillery in Maryland, many businesses have taken advantage of the opportunity to be part of this booming industry. Sagamore Spirit Rye is an example of one such business that is contract distilled by MGP in Indiana yet still represents Maryland's whiskey distilling heritage.
