This is the one you've been waiting for!

October 19, 2015, Purcellville, VA – Catoctin Creek is proud to announce the release of its oldest whisky to date:  Rabble Rouser® 4 year old straight rye whisky.  

Rabble Rouser is the latest rye whisky offering from Catoctin Creek.  Distilled from 100% rye, and like the other whisky from Catoctin Creek, Rabble Rouser is a single barrel, hand-crafted whisky.  The Rabble Rouser differs from its cousin, Roundstone Rye, in that it is distilled at a lower proof, allowing lots of earthy goodness from the grain to come through in the spirit.  The whisky is aged for four years in Minnesota white oak barrel, twice the legal age requirement for "straight rye whiskey."  It is bottled at 100 proof.

"Where Roundstone Rye is sort of restrained, with lots of fruit and elegance, Rabble Rouser is more unruly and vivacious," says Scott Harris, founder of the distillery, "There's a burst of rich rye spice and sweet woodiness that dominates this whisky." 

"At four years old, Catoctin Creek is one of just a few craft distilleries producing rye whiskey of that age," says Jake Emen, who writes for Washington City Paper.

The Rabble Rouser straight rye whisky will be released in limited quantities into the Virginia, Maryland, DC, and New York markets.  

It will be released at the Purcellville distillery on October 19 for VIP members and Sunday, Nov. 1 for the general public.  Information on VIP Club may be found here:  http://catoctincreekdistilling.com/vip-club

Catoctin Creek Rabble Rouser Straight Whisky, 50% ABV, single barrel whisky distilled from 100% rye, 750ml, SRP $61.59.  While supplies last!

This whisky is dedicated to Allan Guy, who designed its label.  Allan was a treasured colleague and will be missed.

Aboutc Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 540-751-8404; Twitter: @CatoctinCreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County Virginia since before prohibition. Certified kosher, and family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium spirits: rye whisky and gin from local sources, brandy from Virginia wines, and seasonal brandy. Catoctin Creek prides itself on offering high-quality spirits. For media-related inquiries, please contact Scott Harris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for more information on Catoctin Creek Distilling Company please visit www.catoctincreek.com.

September 24, 2015, Purcellville, VA – Catoctin Creek is proud to announce the release of two of our newest expressions of Roundstone Rye Cask Proof!  The Roundstone Rye has won gold medals from San Francisco to New York to London, and was recently called a “huge rye” and “great fun” in the 2015 edition of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.  And now, we have two versions to share at cask proof.

The first expression is our Roundstone Rye "Maple Finished" Cask Proof, where we've taken those old maple-syrup barrels from the Langdon Wood maple syrup that we sell in our tasting room, and we re-filled them with whisky.  The result is not cloying or sweet, but a smooth maple flavor that blends perfectly into the whisky, and a maple finish that goes on, and on, and on, and on...  Only 26 cases will be available in the tasting room for sale!  

The second expression is our Roundstone Rye "Peach Brandy Finished" Cask Proof, where we've taken one of our spent peach brandy barrels and finished the whisky in that barrel.  In this case, again, the subtle fruitiness of the peach comes into the mid-palate, and a sweet peachy finish closes out the whisky.  Only 8 (yes, EIGHT) cases are available in the tasting room for sale!  This one will absolutely sell out right away, so please get yours ASAP to ensure you get some.

Both whisky expressions will also be released in limited quantities into the Maryland, DC, and California markets.  Be sure to check our Whiskey Wednesday in DC schedule for your chance to get a free tasting of these newest expressions!  Details, here:  http://catoctincreekdistilling.com/events/1118-introducing-whisky-wednesdays-with-catoctin-creek

Roundstone Rye Cask Proof will be released at the Purcellville distillery on September 23 for VIP members and Saturday, Oct. 10 for the general public.  Information on VIP Club may be found here:  http://catoctincreekdistilling.com/vip-club

Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye "Cask Proof" Whisky, 59.8% ABV, whisky distilled from 100% rye, 750ml, SRP $89.90.  While supplies last!

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 540-751-8404; Twitter: @CatoctinCreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County Virginia since before prohibition. Certified kosher, and family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium spirits: rye whisky and gin from local sources, brandy from Virginia wines, and seasonal brandy. Catoctin Creek prides itself on offering high-quality spirits. For media-related inquiries, please contact Scott Harris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for more information on Catoctin Creek Distilling Company please visit www.catoctincreek.com.

New York, NY, September 11, 2015 — Catoctin Creek Distilling Company has been awarded a gold medal for its Roundstone Rye "92 Proof" whisky in the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition.

"We are absolutely delighted by this award, from one of the most respected spirits judging competitions on the planet," remarked Scott Harris, founder and general manager of the distillery.  "New York has always been the center of our cultural universe, and it is wonderful to get this recognition from an internationally-respected organization!"

Despite its small size, the small Purcellville distillery has seen distribution expanding rapidly in the last five years, sending its local and kosher spirits to New York, California, and internationally.

The New York World Wine and Spirits Competition is one of the largest competitions for the retail beverage industry in the world and has attracted top professional Judges from restaurants, bars and clubs, food and beverage buyers, USBG Mixologists, Educators, Beverage Directors, Columnists, Writers, Sommeliers and Chefs. All Judges will follow and utilize a proven numerical evaluation system that will promote reliable and consistent results.

For more information about the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, see www.nyworldwineandspiritscompetition.com.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 540-751-8404; Twitter: @CatoctinCreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County, Virginia since before prohibition. Certified kosher, and family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium Virginia spirits: rye whisky and gin from local sources, and seasonal brandy from Virginia wines. For media-related inquiries, please contact info@catoctincreek.com or for more information on Catoctin Creek Distilling Company please visit www.catoctincreek.com.

Arriving Autumn 2015 in Australia.

August 17, 2015, Purcellville, Virginia / Gold Coast, Australia – Catoctin Creek has expanded its international distribution into Australia and New Zealand through Challenger Beverages Pty Ltd. The products available in Australia will be:

• Roundstone Rye, 80 proof (40% ABV), 750 mL
• Roundstone Rye, 92 proof (46% ABV), 750 mL
• Roundstone Rye, CASK PROOF (58% ABV), 750 mL
• Watershed Gin, 92 proof (46% ABV), 750 mL
• and limited quantities of Catoctin Creek's line of brandies and Mosby's Spirit

Catoctin Creek's products will initially launch in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Distribution into other regions of the country is available through Challenger Beverages' network of preferred partners.

"We are delighted to have our spirits reach the continent of Australia, and we are thrilled to be partnered with Challenger Beverages," remarked Scott Harris, founder of the distillery. "Catoctin Creek continues to grow our international export business, as American craft spirits continue to be very hot abroad. Our hand-crafted, small batch products have received numerous international awards, and this order is further proof of the excellence of our products."

Challenger Beverages is a specialty supplier of premium liquor products in Australia and New Zealand. "We are excited to have the range of Catoctin Creek products in our portfolio," remarked Scott Garnett, founder of Challenger Beverages. "We've tasted a lot of whiskey in our search for the brand we’d like to represent, and Catoctin Creek's Roundstone Rye is amazing and clearly stood above the crowd. We knew we had a winner! The Watershed Gin, not to be outdone, adds a dynamic new American style gin, which we are confident will be of great appeal across the bars and liquor stores of Australia."

The Catoctin Creek products are in transit by sea, and expected to be in country by mid-September 2015.

About Challenger Beverages: Challenger Beverages is a wholesale liquor distribution company whose aim is to create and represent brands which redefine the categories in which they operate. Challenger Beverages is the exclusive distributor of Ron de Jeremy Rum, Purity Vodka, Hedonist Cognac, Diplôme Dry Gin, Origenes Rum, SX Tequilas and now the Catoctin Creek portfolio. Contact Challenger at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.challengerbeverages.com.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 540-751-8404; Twitter: @CatoctinCreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County Virginia since before prohibition. Certified eco-ganic and kosher, and family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium spirits: rye whisky and gin from eco-ganic sources, brandy from Virginia wines, and seasonal brandy. Catoctin Creek prides itself on offering high-quality and eco-ganic spirits. For media-related inquiries, please contact Scott Harris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for more information on Catoctin Creek Distilling Company please visit www.catoctincreek.com.

July 9, 2015, Purcellville, VA – Catoctin Creek is now available in North Carolina, and will soon be available at fine restaurants, bars, and retail ABC stores throughout the state.

"We are thrilled to continue our east-coast expansion in the United States," said Scott Harris, founder of Catoctin Creek Distilling Company.  "Since our inception in 2009, we have received numerous and consistent requests from people in North Carolina to purchase our products.  We felt the time was finally right to begin to supply our neighboring state."

North Carolina is one of the sixteen "control states" where liquor sales are controlled by the state government.  Distribution in North Carolina will be achieved through a partnership between Catoctin Creek and Southern Wine and Spirits Mid-Atlantic, which brokers the distillery's sales in the state.  The first product selected for distribution in North Carolina is the distillery's most popular and internationally award winning rye whisky, Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye, 40% ABV, SRP $45.   Other products will be available on a special-order basis.

For more information on Roundstone Rye, see:  http://catoctincreekdistilling.com/products/roundstone

For more information on our North Carolina distribution, see:  http://catoctincreekdistilling.com/wheretobuy-nc

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 540-751-8404; Twitter: @CatoctinCreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County Virginia since before prohibition. Certified eco-ganic and kosher, and family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium spirits: rye whisky and gin from eco-ganic sources, brandy from Virginia wines, and seasonal brandy. Catoctin Creek prides itself on offering high-quality and eco-ganic spirits. For media-related inquiries, please contact Scott Harris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for more information on Catoctin Creek Distilling Company please visit www.catoctincreek.com.

CATOCTIN CREEK DISTILLING COMPANY WINS REGIONAL FOOD AND BEVERAGE PRODUCER AT PACKED INDUSTRY GALA

June 7, 2015, Washington DC – Top foodservice industry professionals and their fans gathered tonight at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the 33rd Annual RAMMY Awards as Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced and celebrated winners in 21 award categories. The selection process for the winners involved two esteemed groups, the voting public and an anonymous panel of volunteer judges, consisting of food and dining journalists, educators and foodservice industry professionals.

Catoctin Creek Distilling Company won in the category of Regional Food and Beverage Producer.  Noted in the program for the evening, the RAMW highlighted the following about the Purcellville distillery:

A recent distribution expansion to Europe after half a decade of wowing the DMV ensures that soon the world will also appreciate these top shelf eco-ganic spirits distilled in Purcellville, Virginia.

Also nominated in the category were finalists: DC Brau Brewing Company, Dolci Gelati, Early Mountain Vineyards, and New Columbia Distillers.

"We are so incredibly honored by this award," said Scott Harris, co-founder of the distillery.  "The first person I must thank is my wife, Becky, who gets up every morning to make the whisky.  Just as importantly, I wish to thank all of the restaurants in the DC area who support what we do by buying our products.  There's no place quite like DC for supporting local liquor!  We are truly thankful!"

For more information regarding the winners of these awards, visit therammys.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About The RAMMYS:  Presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), The RAMMY Awards Gala honors the exceptional ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations of the region’s restaurants and foodservice community. Named the #1 Food & Restaurant event by BIZBASH Magazine for four consecutive years, The RAMMYS celebrate one of Metropolitan Washington’s greatest assets: its restaurants.

About Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW):  The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. Established in 1920, RAMW is an advocate, resource and community for its members. The Association works to promote and sustain the growth and development of the industry while providing its members legislative and regulatory representation, marketing and small business support, programming and events. RAMW strives to serve its members with professionalism and integrity, and provide them the training, education and support they need to grow a successful business.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 540-751-8404; Twitter: @CatoctinCreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County, Virginia since before prohibition. Certified eco-ganic and kosher, and family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium Virginia spirits: rye whisky and gin from eco-ganic sources, and seasonal brandy from Virginia wines. For media-related inquiries, please contact Kyle Schmitz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for more information on Catoctin Creek Distilling Company please visit www.catoctincreek.com.

Photo courtesy Elaine Chon-Baker via Instagram and used with permission.

Recognized as a Top Performing Attraction as Reviewed by Travelers on the World’s Largest Travel Site

Purcellville, Virginia – May 20, 2015 – Catoctin Creek Distillery today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. Now in its fifth year, the award celebrates excellence in hospitality and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor. Certificate of Excellence winners include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a superior customer experience.

When selecting Certificate of Excellence winners, TripAdvisor uses a proprietary algorithm to determine the honorees that takes into account the quality, quantity and recency of reviews and opinions submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period as well as business’s tenure and ranking on the Popularity Index on the site. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

“Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride for the entire team at Catoctin Creek, and we’d like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,” said Hannah Blymier, Tasting Room Manager at Catoctin Creek. “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s own customers. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.”

"TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional hospitality businesses that have received consistent praise and recognition by travelers on the site,” said Marc Charron President, TripAdvisor for Business. “By putting a spotlight on businesses that are focused on delivering great service to customers, TripAdvisor not only helps drive increasing hospitality standards around the world, it also gives businesses both large and small the ability to shine and stand out from the competition.”

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 540-751-8404; Twitter: @CatoctinCreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County, Virginia since before prohibition. Certified eco-ganic and kosher, and family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium Virginia spirits: rye whisky and gin from eco-ganic sources, and seasonal brandy from Virginia wines. For media-related inquiries, please contact Kyle Schmitz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for more information on Catoctin Creek Distilling Company please visit www.catoctincreek.com.

About TripAdvisor: TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and book the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools that check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 340 million unique monthly visitors**, and more than 225 million reviews and opinions covering more than 4.9 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 45 countries worldwide. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, December 2014
**Source: Google Analytics, average monthly unique users, Q1 2015

CATOCTIN CREEK DISTILLERY’S BECKY HARRIS WINS WCR: WOMEN CHEFS & RESTAURATEUR ‘GOLDEN GOBLET’ AWARD AT “WOMEN WHO INSPIRE” AWARDS GALA IN NYC ON APRIL 20TH

April 22, 2015, Purcellville, VA – On Monday, April 20th, amongst a sea of hundreds of some of the most celebrated women in the hospitality industry nationwide, Becky Harris, co-owner and chief distiller at Catoctin Creek Distillery, received the WCR Golden Goblet Service Award at the 2015 WCR: Women Chefs & Restaurateurs’ “Women Who Inspire” Awards Gala hosted in New York City. The award recognizes excellence in the beverage profession and honors a woman whose making or serving of beer, wine, spirits, coffee or tea enhances the dining experience.

Becky and husband and business partner Scott Harris launched the award-winning Catoctin Creek Distillery – the first distillery to open in Loudoun County, Virginia since before prohibition – in 2009.  Becky Harris is one of less than a dozen female distiller-operators in the United States. A chemical engineer and graduate with honors from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Becky has worked at companies like Amoco, YDK America, and CIBA, specializing in industrial processes and production systems. Eventually after her husband brought the idea of opening a distillery to the table several years ago, Becky’s background has since played a major role in taking her knowledge and applying it to something she loved – making the finest distilled spirits in Virginia.

"It was such an honor not only attend the awards gala surrounded by some of the most talented and respected women in the food and beverage industry, but to receive the Golden Goblet award honoring my work in the spirits industry. I’m just so humbled and grateful to be recognized for such a prestigious award!" said Ms. Harris.

Becky Harris receives the "Golden Goblet" award from Chef Carla Hall at the 2015 WCR "Women Who Inspire" Awards Gala.  Photo credit WCR.

About WCR: Established by Barbara Tropp and seven pioneering women chefs and restaurateurs, WCR is an active resource for women seeking to advance culinary education and gain recognition in various areas of the food and beverage industry. Through invaluable experiences and opportunities, WCR helps leverage the voice of talented women, helping to elevate their position while building a strong connection of industry peers. These connections have influenced the careers of many notable chefs today. For more information on WCR: Women Chefs & Restaurateurs, please visit www.WomenChefs.org.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 540-751-8404; Twitter: @CatoctinCreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County, Virginia since before prohibition. Certified eco-ganic and kosher, and family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium Virginia spirits: rye whisky and gin from eco-ganic sources, and seasonal brandy from Virginia wines. For media-related inquiries, please contact Kyle Schmitz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for more information on Catoctin Creek Distilling Company please visit www.catoctincreek.com.

*** Additional Information, Images & Interviews Available Upon Request ***

Arriving in Spring 2015 in Germany, the United Kingdom, and surrounding EU countries.

April 6, 2015, Purcellville, VA – Catoctin Creek has expanded its international distribution into Europe through Haromex Development GmbH.  The products available in the EU will be:

• Roundstone Rye, 80 proof (40% ABV), 700 mL
• Roundstone Rye, 92 proof (46% ABV), 700 mL
• Roundstone Rye, CASK PROOF (58% ABV), 700 mL
• Roundstone Rye "Haromex bottling" (58% ABV), 700 mL
• Watershed Gin, 92 proof (46% ABV), 700 mL

Catoctin Creek's products will initially launch in the countries of Germany, the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, and the Czech Republic. Distribution into other EU countries is available through Haromex's exclusive network of preferred partners.

"Welcome to Europe! We are happy to have our spirits reach the great people of Europe!" remarked Scott Harris, founder of the distillery. "Catoctin Creek has been visiting Europe for a few years now, both in Germany and in the UK, and we've always had such great reception to our products. We are very happy, therefore, to finally reach this deal and begin importing into the continent."

Owned by the van Soest family, Haromex Development GmbH is one of the leading alcohol niche suppliers in Germany, but also to numerous other EU countries through subsidiaries and a loyal network of partners. Located in the small German town of Brüggen, near the Dutch border, Haromex employs two generations of van Soests. The Company's founder and CEO is John van Soest. John has almost 50 years of experience as a spirits supplier and still enjoys life at the company helm. Harald van Soest is in charge of all commercial activities and his brother Roger is responsible for company finances & administration.  Each year Haromex sells a staggering amount of some of the world's highest quality spirits to European shops and restaurants. Haromex provides drinks manufacturers worldwide with a specialized distribution channel for high-quality products.

About Haromex: Haromex Development GmbH (Weihersfeld 45, D-41379 Brüggen, Germany; Phone: +49 2163-95 73 0, Fax: +49 2163-95 73 25, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) is one of the largest specialty importers of spirits products into Europe. The company's cooperation partners include top quality outlets and specialists in the target areas. For this reason, the portfolio contains over 5,000 of the finest spirits. For more information, please visit www.haromex.com.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 540-751-8404; Twitter: @CatoctinCreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County, Virginia since before prohibition. Certified eco-ganic and kosher, and family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium Virginia spirits: rye whisky and gin from eco-ganic sources, and seasonal brandy from Virginia wines. For media-related inquiries, please contact Kyle Schmitz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for more information on Catoctin Creek Distilling Company please visit www.catoctincreek.com.

Purcellville, VA, March 29, 2015 — On a crisp Sunday evening, Catoctin Creek held their event to announce the winners in the 2015 Catoctin Creek Art Contest.  A large crowd of artists were present to witness the results:

• In first place:  "Party at Catoctin Creek", by Randy Krinkles, winning $1000.
• In second place:  "Case Building Etching in Black", by Paige Ulvi, winning $500.
• In third place:  "Distillery Vats", by Dora Ramirez, winning $250.

The winning entries were selected from among 141 entrants to the contest.  The selection process was done using blind ballots by the employees of the Purcellville distillery, and the results were tabulated to find the winners.  Also attending the event were representatives for the Loudoun Arts Council and the Round Hill Arts Center, both of whom received donations from the distillery and patrons of the event.

"Choosing the winning entries was really difficult," remarked founder and president, Becky Harris.  "There were so many styles and so many wonderful pieces; honestly, I wish we could have chosen ten or twelve winners!"

The contest was created to foster arts in the community, and the distillery received a diverse set of entries, including photography, paintings, mixed-media, charcoal drawings, etchings, pottery, and watercolors.  All entries in the contest will be on display at the distillery now and throughout the month of April.  Now that the contest voting period is over, the artists' names will be placed on each piece so that they may receive recognition for their work.  The general public is invited to view the pieces at Catoctin Creek's Main Street location in Purcellville.

"We were really pleased with the results of this contest," said Scott Harris, founder and general manager of the distillery.  "The art we received is top notch, showing we live in a county rich with the arts."  During the evening event, Scott spoke further about the need for arts in the community: "There is so much discussion today in our news and in politics, both on the left and the right, about the need for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) based-education and job-training.  In the process, arts and humanities are being cut back and removed from our public curricula.  I think it does our country and our people a disservice to focus solely on STEM without the respect and time due to the humanities.  Humanities enrich our lives in ways far beyond mere physical wealth.  That is one reason that we wanted to hold this contest, to encourage those out there who don't fit into the typical STEM philosophy."

After the success of Catoctin Creek's first art contest, look for it to return in 2016.

The Winning Entries

Show below, left to right, art by Randy Krinkles (1st place), Paige Ulvi (2nd place), and Dora Ramirez (3rd place).

The Winning Artists:

Show below, left to right, posing with Scott Harris, are artists Randy Krinkles (1st place), Paige Ulvi (2nd place), and Dora Ramirez (3rd place).

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 540-751-8404; Twitter: @CatoctinCreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County, Virginia since before prohibition. Certified eco-ganic and kosher, and family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium Virginia spirits: rye whisky and gin from eco-ganic sources, and seasonal brandy from Virginia wines. For media-related inquiries, please contact Kyle Schmitz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for more information on Catoctin Creek Distilling Company please visit www.catoctincreek.com.

Roundstone Rye "92 Proof" receives Silver Medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 87 point rating at Ultimate Spirits Challenge

Purcellville, VA, March 28, 2015 — In the same week, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company has been awarded two medals for its Roundstone Rye "92 Proof" whisky from two of the top international spirits judging contests:  a silver medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) and an 87 point rating (Very Good, Strong Recommendation) from F. Paul Pacult's Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC) in New York City.  Both competitions are very well regarded as some of the most impartial and well attended competitions in the world.

From the USC review:

Roundstone Rye "92 Proof" - Very pretty pale gold color. Big, bright, floral aromas followed in the mouth by a huge blast of sweet grain and spice. This one goes to 11! The finish leans toward bitter almond and spice, and then the floral elements return. 87 points - Very Good, Strong Recommendation

"We are very excited by this happy news:  two medals in one week!" remarked Scott Harris, founder and general manager at Catoctin Creek.  "These two competitions are the gold standards for spirits judging, receiving thousands of entrants from across the industry worldwide.  To be selected for these medals, in competitions that perform completely blind tastings, shows that our spirits truly stand up to the international standard and are truly among the best in the world!"

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is regarded as the most respected spirits competition in the world. The Competition was the first comprehensive, international spirits judging ever held in the United States on an annual basis. Products are evaluated by top spirits professionals and are judged in a blind, consensual procedure ensuring competitive integrity and making this annual competition the most reputable and recognized competition in the spirits industry.

Ultimate Beverage Challenge is the definitive spirits and wine evaluation company today. Its two world-class competitions Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Ultimate Wine Challenge provide unparalleled value, offering results that are reliable and easily understandable in today’s marketplace, creating opportunities for the industry, and establishing the platinum standard that defines what beverage evaluation should be. 

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 540-751-8404; Twitter: @CatoctinCreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County, Virginia since before prohibition. Certified eco-ganic and kosher, and family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium Virginia spirits: rye whisky and gin from eco-ganic sources, and seasonal brandy from Virginia wines. For media-related inquiries, please contact Kyle Schmitz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for more information on Catoctin Creek Distilling Company please visit www.catoctincreek.com.

Purcellville, VA, March 6, 2015 — Catoctin Creek Distilling Company has been awarded a silver medal from the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Catoctin Creek eco-ganic Roundstone Rye "92 Proof" was awarded 87 points (Highly Recommended) and won silver in the category of rye whiskey.

From the review:

Roundstone Rye "92 Proof" - Amber color. Bright, fruity, spicy aromas of spumoni gelato, beeswax candle, cedar spice rack, and burnt sugar with a supple, racy, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a peppery, intriguing, medium-long nutmeg, pink pepper, dried fruits, and chili pepper finish. A very spice forward rye that will pop in cocktails. 87 points - Highly Recommended - Silver

The Beverage Testing Institute was founded in 1981 with the objective of producing fair and impartial wine reviews for consumers. Today, this philosophy still holds true. Over the years, their buying guides have appeared in the Wine Enthusiast, Restaurant Hospitality, The New Yorker Magazine, Wine & Spirits, International Wine Review, Epicurious.com, All About Beer, and many others.

"We are very glad to receive these awards," said founder and co-distiller Scott Harris. "BTI is one of the most respected names in beverage reviews, and we're very happy to get this praise for our whisky." Mr. Harris is the Vice President and General Manager at Catoctin Creek, a family run "mom and pop" operation he and his wife, Becky Harris, started in 2009.

For more information about the Beverage Testing Institute, see http://www.tastings.com.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 540-751-8404; Twitter: @CatoctinCreek) is the first distillery in Loudoun County, Virginia since before prohibition. Certified eco-ganic and kosher, and family owned and operated, Catoctin Creek produces premium Virginia spirits: rye whisky and gin from eco-ganic sources, and seasonal brandy from Virginia wines. For media-related inquiries, please contact Kyle Schmitz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or for more information on Catoctin Creek Distilling Company please visit www.catoctincreek.com.