George Washington’s Rye Whiskey Distillery gets spirited birthday party

It’s been 10 years since George Washington’s Distillery at Mount Vernon re-opened and to mark the occasion, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe signed a bill Sunday officially naming George Washington’s Rye Whiskey the Commonwealth’s official spirit. Not a bad tenth birthday present (or 220th birthday, depending on how you look at it).

Templeton heads back to Templeton

Got this press release today from the good folks at Templeton Rye. This is a true vote of confidence in the longevity of the rye-naissance. I’m loving the re-establishment of the rye distilling tradition, not just in Templeton, Iowa, but also in what was once one of the great rye-producing capitals of the U.S.: Maryland. Later…

George Washington Rye Whiskey named Virginia’s official spirit

Who says the government can’t get anything meaningful accomplished? Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed into law this week SB1261, which designates George Washington Rye Whiskey—produced at the restored late-eighteenth-century-style George Washington Distillery at Mount Vernon—as the Commonwealth’s official “state spirit.” Virginia State Senator Adam P Ebbin of Alexandria (my current stomping ground!) sponsored the bill.

Heaven Hill president pays tribute to Parker Beam

Max L. Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Brands, offered these words on the passing of master distiller emeritus and all around bourbon legend Parker Beam: “I, along with our entire Heaven Hill family, am saddened to share that our Master Distiller Emeritus, Parker Beam, passed away last night after a long and valiant battle with…

Constellation buys minority stake in Catoctin Creek

Just got this press release from Catoctin Creek. Big investment from a really big company….   Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, LLC, a distillery operating in Purcellville in Loudoun County, Virginia, announced today that Constellation Brands acquired a minority stake in the company This investment provides the company with new capital to grow production, marketing, and to…