We had a lovely event last month, The Battle of the Bartenders, where some of Loudoun County's top mixologists came together to sling cocktails and compete to see who had the best drinks.  Proceeds went to support CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees), who support those in our industry in need.  It was a great wild evening, and definitely for a great cause.

Eric Kozlik reviewed the evening in his Modern Bar Cart podcast. You can listen to the full episode, here, or go over to his site and subscribe, here.

Our founder, Scott Harris, headed up to Frederick this week to chat with the guys at the Uncapped podcast.  After nearly ten years in business, Scott reflects on how they got started, the financial, competitive, and legal environments then and now, and reviews some of the recent awards from the New York competition.

You can listen to the podcast, here, or head over to their site and subscribe, here.

Ryan Hughley, writing for Southern Kitchen, does a wonderful story about Becky's journey through whisky as chief distiller for Catoctin Creek.  She writes:

So if you find yourself interested in whiskey, but you’re not a fan of its strong flavor, what’s a girl to do?

Harris recommends starting out with something easy like a whiskey ginger or a good whiskey sour. They are easy, approachable cocktails for those looking to give whiskey a shot (pun intended). Another tip, according to Harris? “If you’re not a spirits drinker, learn to taste spirits neat," she said. "It’s not something most people are comfortable with in the beginning because it’s too strong. The first sip is to acclimate your plate.”

You can read the full story, here.

Roundstone Rye 80 Proof rye whisky awarded Double Gold, and Watershed gin, Roundstone Rye 92 Proof Distiller’s Edition and Cask Proof rye whiskies earn Silver

PURCELLVILLE,VA, September 24, 2018—Catoctin Creek received multiple medals at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWWSC) held on August 22 and 23 at the New York Academy of Medicine. Accolades from the prestigious blind tasting include a Double Gold medal for the Virginia distillery’s Roundstone Rye 80 Proof whisky, awarded when all members of the esteemed competition’s judging panel give a Gold medal designation, as well as three Silver medals for its Roundstone Rye 92 Proof Distiller’s Edition whisky, Roundstone Rye Cask Proof whisky, and Watershed gin.

Considered Catoctin Creek’s most popular whisky, the Double Gold awarded Roundstone Rye 80 Proof is the original version of the craft distillery’s flagship product. A pre-Prohibition style rye whisky, it is made from local and organic 100% rye grain and aged in new Minnesota white oak casks.

“I like to call it our front porch sipper,” said Catoctin Creek co-owner and chief distiller, Becky Harris. “It’s a smooth and approachable single-grain rye whisky that features notes of caramel and rich butter toffee, with just a hint of lemon in the nose. Like all our spirits, it’s hand-crafted from scratch, with love, in our distillery.”

Catoctin Creek was also presented three Silver medals for its most awarded Roundstone Rye Cask Proof whisky, which is a strong, dark and surprisingly smooth 100% rye whisky released at approximately 58% ABV; as well as its specially curated Roundstone Rye 92 Proof Distiller’s Edition whisky; and amazingly complex Watershed gin distilled from organic rye grain, with a secret recipe of organic herbs and spices.

"We are truly honored and thrilled to be recognized by the judges at this prestigious competition,” says Catoctin Creek founder and general manager, Scott Harris. “We work hard to produce a variety of small-batch craft spirits and are proud to be Virginia's most awarded distillery.”

NYWWSC has established itself as one of the most respected judging events in the eastern United States. Beginning this year, NYWWSC became a full-fledged member of The Tasting Alliance, the parent organization of the world-renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition and San Francisco International Wine Competition, which have earned an exceptional reputation among consumers in the wine and spirits trade. The 2018 NYWWSC received more than 395 entries across 60 categories, and spirits were judged by a panel of nine experts among the industry’s most trusted authorities.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  At Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, 120 W. Main St., True Craft is Inspired by Tradition.℠ Founded by Scott and Becky Harris in 2009, Catoctin Creek made a name for itself as the first legal distillery since Prohibition in Purcellville, Virginia’s Loudoun County. The 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 sourcing rye whisky, gin, and seasonal brandy from local and organic grains and fruits, with spirits available in 26 states and 3 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) 751-8404 or visit www.catoctincreekdistilling.com. Follow Catoctin Creek on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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