Northern Virginia magazine wrote a nice two-page story about our newest product, the Hot Honey Rye.
Initially a barrel select special offering, the limited release "was so successful — it sold out in a matter of days — that we decided to introduce it as a regular product," Scott says. "Becky did a lot of tasting, and she used a blend of three types of honey to get the flavor she wanted: buckwheat, wildflower, and clover." They honeys (all from Virginia) are mixed together, infused with chili flakes for a pleasant zing, and mixed with Roundstone Rye 80-proof whiskey to achieve a highly drinkable, perfectly balancedd concoction.
You can see the full story on pages 76-77 of the December 2023 "Drink Local" issue, available wherever magazines are sold.
Middleburg Life did a wonderful in-depth article on Becky Harris and the history of her founding of Catoctin Creek. The article is a nice summary of her efforts for the past almost fifteen years, including time as president of the American Craft Spirits Association:
This vast, outward-looking energy radiates from Harris herself. She’s sat on the board of the American Craft Spirits Association since 2019, served two terms as its president, and oversaw one of the Association’s greatest victories: reducing the federal excise tax on liquor from $13.50 per six bottles to an incredible $2.70. Beyond that, Harris helped found the nonprofit STEPUP Foundation, which introduces interns from underrepresented communities to every step of the spirits business, from distillation to distribution. This year, Bourbon Women [awarded her the] Women of Whiskey Legacy Achievement award.
Robert Haynes-Peterson, writing for Inside Hook, sums up the ten best rye whiskeys under $100. Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye 92 Proof "Distiller's Edition" once again makes the list:
Using a mash bill of 100% locally farmed rye (a mix of Haslet, Indy Dillon and Brasetto ryes), it’s a classic spicy rye with plenty of depth and complex flavor. The juice is a beautiful, deep amber, is non-chill filtered and about as respectable a rye as you’re going to find anywhere at this price.
Amanda Schuster, writing for Inside Hook, sums up the eleven best rye whiskeys to use for an old fashioned, that classic whiskey drink. Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye 92 Proof "Distiller's Edition" makes the list:
Only one in 10 casks are selected to produce the higher proof variation of this Virginia distillery’s flagship rye. It’s a great all-purpose rye in general, but it’s particularly suited to Old Fashioneds for its “ryeness” — the slight grassiness and spice balance that has a subtle spark of heat.
Press Release: Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye® earns GOLD at Whiskey and Barrel Consumer Choice Awards
The Virginia Rye Whisky ℠ distillery wins big at Consumer Choice Awards competition
CHICAGO, IL. (October 27, 2023) - - - Catoctin Creek Distilling Co., The Virginia Rye Whisky ℠, earned a gold medal for it's Hot Honey Rye® at the 2023 Whiskey and Barrel Consumer Choice Awards. The Consumer Choice awards are a unique competition designed to recognize both excellence and preference by consumers that enjoy whisky and the bar & retail experts that sell it.
The Consumer Choice Awards are an awards competition years in the making and long overdue. "It has been our experience across the country and around the world over the past 17+ years that all consumers want to know the preference of their peers," says founders David Sweet and Mario Campa, who have more than 35 years of combined international spirits experience, hosting and consulting in tasting events across North America, Europe and Australia.
All samples were tasted blind with the judging and operations of the day hosted and conducted by the Whiskey and Barrel Nite staff.
“We are delighted to win this gold medal,” said Scott Harris, founder and general manager of Catoctin Creek. “This is our first gold medal for our new Hot Honey Rye, and we're so glad to see this product already performing well in the awards circuit.”
More information about the award can be located, here.
About Catoctin Creek Distilling: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, The Virginia Rye Whisky ℠, was founded by Scott and Becky Harris in 2009. Inspired by the history and craft of Virginia, Catoctin Creek made a name for itself as the first legal distillery since Prohibition in Purcellville, Virginia’s Loudoun County. The independent craft distillery is home to Virginia’s most-awarded whisky, Roundstone Rye, which has been presented gold medals across the globe and stands out through its old-world production methods. Catoctin Creek prides itself on making rye whisky, gin, and seasonal brandy from local grains and fruits, with spirits available in 26 states and 2 continents. The Harris’ intricate attention to detail results in high quality internationally acclaimed products, including seasonal releases and private cask offerings, that recognize the true craft of Virginia spirits. For more information, call (540) 751-3294 or visit CatoctinCreek.com. Follow Catoctin Creek on Instagram, Blue Sky, Mastodon and Facebook.
