On Tap Magazine published a story about our transition from our industrial warehouse space to our new historic home on Main Street in Old Town Purcellville.  Michael McCarthy writes:

Soon it became clear that from both a production and marketing perspective it was time for a move. Like the spirits they craft, Scott and Becky were looking for a perfect blend of old and new in potential locations. They found just such a thing in the Case Building on Main Street in downtown Purcellville. The building, built around 1890 by Samuel Case, was home to the Case Motor Company in 1920 – the year Prohibition took effect, and had been in the Case family until Scott and Becky purchased it in 2013.

The move to Main Street feels like a step back in time and a journey to “Mayberry” USA. The street is home to many buildings that date back as far as 1850, 1880 or 1890 and despite booming development on the outskirts, Main Street has retained the charm of years past.

Read the entire article, here.

Welcome to June! Construction continues...

As May comes to a close and June is upon us, we are about halfway through our construction project at the Case Building.

During the month, we finished up most of the masonry repair, and now have a beautifully updated brick building which should not only be structurally sound, but also water tight and beautifully restored. 

We also replaced two very rotten wooden roof trusses, replacing them with steel I-beams.  There were two reasons for this repair: 1) The trusses were so badly rotted that they would undoubtedly fail in the near future, and 2) The steel allowed us to open up the floor space and remove some inconveniently placed support pillars.

Our HVAC system arrived in May as well, and with another rented crane, we hoisted the units up onto the roof and installed them.  Cutting through the 100 year old roof was interesting, as we revealed an old tin roof with paper sheaving beneath a layer of thick stryofoam insulation and rubber membrane.

Looking to the work in June, we hope to finish up with plumbing, electrical, and tasting room finish carpentry.  There is lots to do, but we're still hopeful to be in our home in late June, early July.  Look for a grand opening announcement soon!

Here are a few recent photos from the construction. Stay tuned to Facebook and Twitter for progress reports as we continue this journey. We will post many photos and status updates along the way...

Catoctin Creek named one of Virginia's Finest

Catoctin Creek was awarded "Virginia's Finest®" designation for flagship line of spirits, including Roundstone Rye, Mosby's Spirit, and Watershed Gin.

The Virginia’s Finest program promotes the development of Virginia agriculture and specialty food products. Virginia's Finest highlights top quality Virginia-produced and processed products, including snacks, candy, nuts, cider, meats, and produce. The Virginia's Finest Program is one of the most highly regarded marketing vehicles in the Commonwealth and really gives Virginia companies an added advantage in the marketplace. Consumers recognize the familiar Virginia's Finest "checkmark" and trust that Virginia's Finest products have been deemed the best of the best.

"The Virginia’s Finest Trademark Program will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2014, and adding a celebrated Virginia distilling company such as Catoctin Creek to the list of Virginia’s Finest® product offerings is a win for everyone. I commend Catoctin Creek for their commitment to providing high quality locally made products," said Matt Lohr, Commissioner for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Roundstone Rye reviewed on The Whiskey Reviewer

S.D. Peters of The Whisky Reviewer grabbed a bottle of Roundstone Rye at his local liquor store and wrote up the following review.  I think he nailed it:

It’s not only a unique Rye, but a unique entry in the exclusive class of 100% Ryes. It’s the least Rye-like 100% Rye I’ve had, yet still very much a Rye of the New Breed, having a particularly characteristic sweetness I’ve detected in other craft Ryes. Lacking a decent metaphor, I’ll go with a simile: it’s like peppering a piece of fruit.

...

What really makes this Rye distinctive is a subtlety throughout. While it suggests a commanding sweetness, the spicy undertones of Rye remain until the finish, tempering the sweet so it’s less like candy, and more like a rich, organic fresh fruit.

On a grading system, we rated a "B+", which puts us below the "Masterpiece" class of "A" and "A+" whiskies, but above the best of the mass market stuff.  "Very good stuff."  We're happy with that!  Thanks, S.D.!

Read the full review, here.

Upcoming Events

There are a variety of great events planned for the month that should prove entertaining and educational:

• June 8 - Bottling Workshop - These are always fun, and fill quickly, so respond now!
• June 8 - Tasting at Cleveland Park Wines - Come meet Chad and taste some of our spirits for free!
• June 19 - Catoctin at Morton's in Richmond - Richmond folks, this is for you! Come and meet Scott and taste our spirits!

For the full list of events, check our events page.

Cocktail of the Month – Your Civic Duty

After a week and a half of federal district court jury service, Emily, one of our brand ambassadors, was FRIED!  She needed a drink in a big way.  And this is what she created.

1½ oz Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye
¾ oz Fresh peach juice (canned, if you must)
¼ oz Brown sugar simple syrup (see below)
Lemon wedge
Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Add Roundstone Rye, juice and syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Pour into rocks glass with ice. Squeeze lemon wedge into glass, stir with the wedge and then toss it into the drink. Add mint leaves, if desired.

To make the syrup, bring equal parts dark brown sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Allow to cool, then pour into a squeeze bottle. Use within one month.

Courtesy Emily Landsman and used with permission.

See this cocktail and over one hundred more on our cocktails page.

In Closing...

As always, there are lots of fun and information on our Facebook and Twitter pages, where you can stay up to date with the daily activities at the distillery. We do tours and tastings every day except Sunday, so stop by and see us sometime!

Remember, "Think Global, Drink LOCAL!"^SM

Cheers!
Scott & Becky

S.D. Peters of The Whisky Reviewer grabbed a bottle of Roundstone Rye at his local liquor store and wrote up the following review.  I think he nailed it:

It’s not only a unique Rye, but a unique entry in the exclusive class of 100% Ryes. It’s the least Rye-like 100% Rye I’ve had, yet still very much a Rye of the New Breed, having a particularly characteristic sweetness I’ve detected in other craft Ryes. Lacking a decent metaphor, I’ll go with a simile: it’s like peppering a piece of fruit.

...

What really makes this Rye distinctive is a subtlety throughout. While it suggests a commanding sweetness, the spicy undertones of Rye remain until the finish, tempering the sweet so it’s less like candy, and more like a rich, organic fresh fruit.

On a grading system, we rated a "B+", which puts us below the "Masterpiece" class of "A" and "A+" whiskies, but above the best of the mass market stuff.  "Very good stuff."  We're happy with that!  Thanks, S.D.!

Read the full review, here.

May 15, 2013, Purcellville, VA – Catoctin Creek was awarded "Virginia's Finest®" designation for flagship line of spirits, including Roundstone Rye, Mosby's Spirit, and Watershed Gin.

The Virginia’s Finest program promotes the development of Virginia agriculture and specialty food products. Virginia's Finest highlights top quality Virginia-produced and processed products, including snacks, candy, nuts, cider, meats, and produce. The Virginia's Finest Program is one of the most highly regarded marketing vehicles in the Commonwealth and really gives Virginia companies an added advantage in the marketplace. Consumers recognize the familiar Virginia's Finest "checkmark" and trust that Virginia's Finest products have been deemed the best of the best.

"The Virginia’s Finest Trademark Program will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2014, and adding a celebrated Virginia distilling company such as Catoctin Creek to the list of Virginia’s Finest® product offerings is a win for everyone. I commend Catoctin Creek for their commitment to providing high quality locally made products," said Matt Lohr, Commissioner for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Only Virginia products that meet or exceed quality standards are part of the Virginia's Finest Program. Specific industries recommend, create and update the quality standards. All Virginia's Finest products must be approved by the Virginia's Finest Review Committee. The Committee reviews product packaging and labels to ensure products meet state and federal regulations. The Committee verifies that products meet or exceed the standards established by the industry. In the case of many products, the company must be inspected by Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).

"Virginia is a great place to live and work, and we are proud that our products rank in the top with the rest of Virginia's Finest," said Scott Harris, owner of the Catoctin Creek Distillery.  "People recognize the Virginia's Finest brand, and we are thrilled to associate that brand with our spirits."

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company is the first distillery in Loudoun County Virginia since before prohibition. Certified organic and kosher, Catoctin Creek produces premium spirits: rye whisky and gin from organic sources, brandy from Virginia wines, and seasonal brandy. At Catoctin Creek, high quality and organic spirits are our passion. For more information, contact us at www.catoctincreek.com or 120 W. Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Tel: 540-751-8404.