News and Press Releases - 2026

Celebrating women's history month, The Local Palate pulls together several recipes from local women chefs. Molly Hardwick writes:

Becky Harris, co-founder of Catoctin Creek Distillery, shares this recipe for a twist on a classic Manhattan. Made with a chile pepper infusion and three types of local Virginia honey, the sweet heat of Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye pairs with chocolate bitters and vermouth to give this cocktail floral sweetness, warm spice, and subtle layers of dark fruit and cocoa. The result is a smooth cocktail that’s perfect for slow sipping.

Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Manhattan

2 oz Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye Whisky
1 oz sweet vermouth
Dash of chocolate bitters

Combine all in a mixing glass with ice, and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.

You can read the full article here, here.

Whiskey Social recently did a review of the Bottle Club Exclusive -- Cask Proof Rye Whisky Finished in a Norton Brandy Barrel.  This is one of our Cornerstone Club releases, and is only available to club members.

Their review had some great tasting notes:

Aroma: Elegant and bold with notes of red apple, caramel, and a hint of sherry

Palate: Velvety at first, evolving into rich waves of port, clove, cinnamon, and allspice

Finish: Lingering sweetness with subtle cloves and a soft hint of clover

For more information about our club memberships and how to get these rare bottles, click here.

You can see the full review, here.

Jim Moore writes a Substack called "Jim | The Historian" and attended a history lecture at the distillery celebrating the Virginia 250 anniversary. The lecture inspired four articles on his site, which serve as a deep-dive into the history of rye whiskey, cocktails, and the culture surrounding it all. If you are at all interested in history, I encourage you to settle down with a good spirited beverage and read them all:

• America 250:  The History of Rye Whiskey
• America 250:  Rye Whiskey & Taxes (Slavery)
• America 250:  Rye Whiskey, The Talk Part 1
• America 250:  Rye Whiskey, The Talk Part 2

Enjoy and cheers!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Purcellville, VA — February 20, 2026 — Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, Virginia’s first legal distillery since Prohibition and a nationally recognized producer of Virginia rye whisky, brandy and gin, is proud to announce a new distribution partnership with PM Spirits for the state of New York.

Through this new relationship, PM Spirits will represent Catoctin Creek’s award-winning portfolio throughout New York, expanding availability of its flagship Roundstone Rye expressions and specialty releases to retailers, restaurants, and bars across the state.

The spirits to be initially distributed in New York include Roundstone Rye 80 Proof, Roundstone Rye Cask Proof, Hot Honey Rye, AppleJack, and Peach Brandy.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be working in the New York market with PM Spirits,” said Becky Harris, Founder and Master Distiller of Catoctin Creek. “New York is one of the most dynamic and influential spirits markets in the world, and PM Spirits shares our commitment to authenticity, quality, and long-term brand building. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to help tell our story and bring our organic rye whiskies to discerning New York consumers.”

Founded in 2009 in Purcellville, Virginia, Catoctin Creek has built a reputation for its Roundstone Rye whisky, crafted from Virginia heritage rye with traditional methods and a steadfast dedication to quality. Over more than 15 years, the distillery has grown from a small startup to a nationally distributed brand while remaining independent and founder-led.

“PM Spirits was started two years after Catoctin Creek. Both companies kept at it in their respective fields, without deviating from the path. It's a cool feeling over 15 years later to finally get to work together in the NY market,” said Nicholas Palazzi, owner of PM Spirits.

The partnership reflects a shared philosophy between the two companies: championing integrity in production, honoring tradition, and supporting independent, craft-focused producers. Together, Catoctin Creek and PM Spirits aim to deepen engagement with New York’s vibrant cocktail community and whisky enthusiasts statewide.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company

Founded in 2009 by Scott and Becky Harris, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company is Virginia’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. Based in historic Purcellville, Virginia, the distillery produces award-winning, Virginia spirits, including its flagship Roundstone Rye whisky. Committed to sustainability, transparency, and traditional production methods, Catoctin Creek distributes its products nationwide and internationally while remaining proudly independent and family-owned. For more information, visit www.catoctincreek.com.

About PM Spirits

PM Spirits champions products crafted by artisans who pour their passion and expertise into every bottle – their senses are their compass. We are a brand-building operation, importing and distributing niche spirits in the US. We operate as two separate but intertwined arms: a NY distribution company and a portfolio of nationally distributed spirits. Our story began with a profound passion for Cognac. Today, we work with a myriad of artisanal distillers worldwide – really good people making really good distillates and refusing to cut corners. Our guiding principle? If we wouldn't drink it, we won't sell it. For more information, visit www.pmspirits.com.