Loudoun County distillery absorbs Virginia ABC mark-up; Mosby's Spirit and Watershed Gin prices will drop

November 25, 2014, Purcellville, VA – Despite the increase in mark-ups recently announced by the Virginia ABC board, Catoctin Creek will hold steady its retail pricing, essentially absorbing the cost of the mark-ups at the wholesale level and shielding the consumer from the price mark-up for its own products.  The retail price on Watershed Gin and Mosby's Spirit, the distillery's "white" spirits category, will be further reduced.

"We felt it was unfair to push another price increase to the consumers in a state that already sees the third highest liquor mark-up in the country," remarked Scott Harris, founder of the distillery.  "This time, we've decided to absorb the mark-up increases to hold our prices essentially steady so our customers do not feel this pain."

The distillery will still see minor changes in their pricing due to the Virginia ABC's new policy of "rounding to the nines," which means all pricing within the ABC system will be rounded up to nine cents in the last digit.  (For example, a product that once cost $34.15 would become $34.19.)

Catoctin Creek's new per-bottle retail pricing in Virginia, will be as follows:

• Roundstone Rye "80 proof" - $44.99
• Roundstone Rye "92 proof" - $52.79
• Mosby's Spirit - $29.49 (new lower price)
• Watershed Gin - $34.19 (new lower price)
• 1757 Virginia Brandy - $49.99
• Pearousia Pear Brandy - $42.49
• Short Hill Mountain Peach Brandy - $42.49

As required by law, the pricing at the distillery store will match the Virginia ABC system pricing.  New pricing becomes effective December 8, 2014.

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 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.

October 30, 2014 — Today, thirteen Virginia Distillers sent a letter to Governor Terry McAuliffe, in opposition to the Governor's proposal to raise spirits taxes in the Commonwealth of Virginia yet again. The Virginia Distillers signing the letter are:

Read the entire letter that was sent to the governor by clicking the image below.

October 30, 2014, Purcellville, VA – Catoctin Creek has been awarded the Platinum Award, the highest level achievable, in the Loudoun Dulles Green Business Challenge.

The Loudoun Dulles Green Business Challenge is an alliance between the Loudoun County and Dulles Chambers of Commerce to promote businesses that make direct efforts to improve sustainability:

We are Sustainability@Work. The double meaning is intended! We are Loudoun Dulles Businesses saving energy, conserving water, reducing waste, combating congestion, protecting native habitat and reaching out to our employees, customers, communities and each other.  We are also Loudoun and Dulles Businesses putting environmental sustainability to work to help us save money and grow our sales.

We are a diverse bunch, ranging from businesses that are new to environmental sustainability through leaders and innovators in sustainability. We range from home-based businesses through Fortune 100 corporations. What we have in common is that we enjoy challenging ourselves and each other to become more environmentally and financially sustainable. For us, the Loudoun Dulles Green Business Challenge is a fun way to measure our accomplishments, identify new ways to save money and grow, meet one another and show customers, employees and our communities that we’re green.

Among Catoctin Creek's unique innovations for achieving this award, were the following:

• Installation of a 41kW solar array, which offsets 80% of the company's electrical needs
• Partial reclamation and reuse of waste water for cooling and cleaning purposes
• Recycling of distillery by-products into cattle feed, alcohol cleansers and gasoline additives for automobiles.  Zero-waste in the production of our products!

"We are very pleased to be rewarded with the Platinum Level award from the Green Business Challenge," remarked Scott Harris, who attended the awards ceremony on behalf of the company.  "Every day we come into the office, we consider our impact on the planet, and how we can make delicious whisky in a responsible and sustainable manner.  It's very important to us!"

Learn more about Catoctin Creek's green initiatives, including a video tour of their solar plant, on their website, at www.catoctincreek.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 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.

Pearousia Pear Brandy with Pear in the Bottle to Commemorate Five Year Anniversary!

October 14, 2014, Purcellville, VA – To commemorate the five year anniversary of Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, the Purcellville distillery is releasing twenty four hand-filled, hand-numbered bottles of seasonal "Pearousia" pear brandy with a full pear in each bottle.

"This bottling is very special," says Catoctin Creek founder, Scott Harris.  "In 2009, Becky and I established the first legal distillery in Loudoun County since Prohibition, and the first alcohol we produced was pear brandy.  The day our equipment was operational, we reached out to Doug Fabbioli, proprietor of Fabbioli Cellars, and asked him for help in obtaining something to distill.  He graciously offered us some of his pear wine, which ultimately became Catoctin Creek's Pearousia pear brandy.  Pearousia was the first distillate ever produced at Catoctin Creek. Our success was only possible through the pioneering work already done in Loudoun County by Doug Fabbioli."

"If it weren't for Doug, we wouldn't be where we are today," said Becky Harris, chief distiller and founder of the distillery. "His generosity of spirit and can-do attitude inspired us and helped get us over the hump in starting our business!"

"Working with Becky and Scott at Catoctin Creek Distillery has been a great experience," said Doug Fabbioli, owner of Fabbioli Cellars.  "Our collaboration has helped both our businesses as well as created a model for other operations to expand the rural economy and continue using locally grown crops in more products."

This release of Pearousia pear brandy, each bottle containing an Asian pear, is released at 750ml.  Early in the spring, each bottle was attached to the pear trees at Patent House Farm Orchard in Lovettsville, Virginia, where the pollinated blossom inside the bottle was allowed to grow into a full-grown pear.  Fast forward to summer, when the ripened pears were cut from the trees and the bottles filled with Pearousia pear brandy.  Each bottle is individually numbered and signed by Scott and Becky Harris, and also signed by Doug Fabbioli.

Catoctin Creek Pearousia "Pear in the Bottle" will be available for $149 only at the Purcellville distillery starting October 14th.  No call in orders will be accepted.  Only customers arriving at the distillery will have the opportunity to purchase this rare release.

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 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 Fabbioli Cellars:  Fabbioli Cellars is a small, family owned and operated vineyard and winery. We focus on growing and making high quality red wines using traditional methods and 21st century knowledge. Through hard work, good decisions and great relationships with customers, family and friends, we have been able to succeed at this dream.  For more info contact them at 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg, Virginia, phone 703-771-1197, www.fabbioliwines.com.

September 24, 2014, Purcellville, VA – Catoctin Creek is now available in Connecticut through Craft Beer Guild of CT, a division of Blueprint Brands.  Catoctin Creek will soon be available at fine restaurants, bars, and retail stores throughout the state.

"We are thrilled to continue our expansion on the east coast of the United States.  Distribution in Connecticut is a natural market in our efforts to grow our brand from its current mid-Atlantic region,"  said Scott Harris, founder of Catoctin Creek Distilling Company.  "We've had so much interest in our spirits in the New York region, that our distributor was anxious to get us into Connecticut as well!"  Blueprint Brands now distributes Catoctin Creek products in three of their territories: New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

"We are pleased to add Catoctin Creek to our Connecticut portfolio of beverages," says Jay Frary, General Manager for Blueprint Brands, a division of L. Knife and Sons. "The spirits from Catoctin Creek are well-recognized for their eco-ganic and boutique quality. Recent press in the Daily Beast, Men's Journal, and the Washington Post have also highlighted how special these truly hand-crafted products are in the marketplace!"

Currently, the following spirits will be available in Connecticut:

• Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye
• Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye "92 Proof"
• Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye "Cask Proof" (based on seasonal availability)
• Catoctin Creek Mosby's Spirit
• Catoctin Creek Watershed Gin

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 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.

September 18, 2014, Purcellville, VA – Catoctin Creek is proud to announce the release of our newest expression of Roundstone Rye Cask Proof!  Bottled at 59.8% alcohol by volume, or 119.6 proof, this is one seriously strong dram of whisky!

This expression of cask proof is very special. Starting with our classic single-barrel Roundstone Rye, using 100% eco-ganic rye, and as always, made by us, this expression was aged first in Minnesota white oak and then finished in a Bordeaux red wine barrel that previously aged our 1757 Virginia Brandy. This expression, batch B14E3, is dark, almost reddish in color, with a deep woody, caramel taste with that characteristic rye snap, and a noticeably fruity nose from the presence of the grape. Truly spectacular, and only 283 bottles of this one were produced. It will not last!

Catoctin Creek Cask Proof was called a “huge rye” and “great fun” in the 2014 edition of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Limited amounts of this expression will also be released into our markets in New York, Maryland, DC, Massachusetts.

Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye "Cask Proof" Whisky, 59.8% ABV, whisky distilled from 100% rye, 750ml, SRP $85.65.  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 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 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.

July 31, 2014, Purcellville, VA – Catoctin Creek is now available in Massachusetts through Blueprint Brands and the Craft Beer Guild and will soon be available at fine restaurants, bars, and retail stores throughout the state.

"We are thrilled to expand our distribution on the east coast of the United States.  Distribution in Massachusetts is a great next step in our efforts to grow our brand from its current mid-Atlantic region,"  said Scott Harris, founder of Catoctin Creek Distilling Company.  "We've had so much interest in our spirits in the New York region, that our distributor was anxious to get us into Massachusetts as well!"

"We are pleased to add Catoctin Creek to our portfolio of craft beer, spirits, and beverages," says Jay Frary, General Manager for Blueprint Brands, a division of L. Knife and Sons. "The handmade spirits from Catoctin Creek are well-recognized for their eco-ganic and boutique quality. They have done well in New York, and we were delighted to now take them into Massachusetts."

Currently, the following spirits will be available in Massachusetts:

• Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye
• Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye "92 Proof"
• Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye "Cask Proof" (based on seasonal availability)
• Catoctin Creek Mosby's Spirit
• Catoctin Creek Watershed Gin

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 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.

Distillery expands bottling capacity ten-fold to allow future growth and new opportunities.

July 28, 2014, Purcellville, VA – Catoctin Creek Distilling Company has installed a new semi-automated bottling line.  The system, manufactured by Liquid Packaging Solutions of LaPorte, Indiana, is 100% American-made and will allow the distillery to greatly increase their bottling capacity.

"This is a big improvement in our overall production process," said Becky Harris, President, Distiller, and Chief of Production.  "While we have spare production capacity in our potstills and fermenters, our bottling capacity was quickly becoming an issue.  It was literally the bottleneck in our process."

The new bottling system will allow the distillery to bottle approximately 10,000 or more bottles per month, a dramatic increase over current production.  Further, the distillery will now have the capacity to offer bottling services to local beverage producers (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

The award-winning distillery has become known for its community volunteer bottling days, and while the new equipment will allow the distillery to bottle the majority of their products more quickly, they still plan to host bottling workshops on a quasi-monthly basis.

"Since we started five years ago, the bottling workshops have been a fun way to connect with customers and to provide a hands-on experience for our fans," said Scott Harris, Founder of the distillery. "For that reason, we will continue to do them.  The workshops are so much fun, and we get a lot of positive feedback from people when we do them."

The bottling line should be fully operational by the end of the month.  Look for the new bottling line to be included on tours starting this weekend.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 202-827-4595; 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 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.

Distillery Diversifies Portfolio with Raised Proof Option from Hand-Selected Barrels

April 30, 2014, Purcellville, VA – Beginning in May, Catoctin Creek has announced that it will release a new higher-proof expression of Roundstone Rye at 92 proof.  Unlike the cask proof variant which is released only a few times per year, Roundstone Rye 92 will be a new regular offering from the celebrated Purcellville distillery.

"The release of a premium, 92-proof version of their award-winning 80-proof Roundstone Rye Whisky, hitting shelves in May, is recognizably Roundstone but intensified, with the caramel, maple, and spice tones highlighted and pumped up into something richer," noted M. Carrie Allan, spirits writer for the Washington Post. (See the full article in the Post, here.)

This whisky is the culmination of several years of planning.  "For a few years now, we've been putting whisky away for storage," remarked Becky Harris, Chief Distiller and President of Catoctin Creek Distilling Company.  "We pulled some of the more interesting barrels from the back of the barn and decided to release these at a higher proof:  a whisky specially curated for flavor, while still being remarkably smooth, as is our existing 80 proof Roundstone."

"We are very excited about this new product," said Scott Harris, Founder and General Manager of Catoctin Creek.  "We discussed this new product with customers like Jack Rose Whisky Saloon, The Passenger, and our distributors, and all agreed that this would be a great new product for the distillery.  And what's cool, since we're a small distillery, we can be responsive to this kind of market input."

At 92 proof (46% ABV), "Roundstone Rye 92" will be available in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New York in May.  As with all the whisky at Catoctin Creek, Roundstone Rye 92 is certified eco-ganic and kosher.  Suggested retail price is $52.99 for a 750 ml bottle.  Though an exact date hasn't been set, bottles will be available at the distillery approximately May 17th.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 202-827-4595; 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 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.

March 21, 2014, Purcellville, VA –  Jewish Whisky Company’s Single Cask Nation today announced it will release its first American whisky bottling, a special cask of Catoctin Creek rye whisky aged over two years.

Jewish Whisky Company built the Single Cask Nation community so that whisky enthusiasts can meet and advance their mutual affinity for finely crafted single cask spirits. Single Cask Nation is dedicated to independently bottling the best and most unique single casks for its membership.

"We sat down together a few months ago and together selected a very special whisky," said Scott Harris, founder of Catoctin Creek Distillery. "The chosen barrel contained a very unique distillation from August 2011. It was aged in a bourbon barrel for just over a year, and after that, we moved the whisky to a used white wine cask, where it has aged for almost another year and a half. The result is a whisky unlike anything we've offered to date."

The tasting notes on the whisky mention an intense rye profile, yellow and red fruits intertwined with herbal notes, a beguiling oily texture and warm toffee flavors.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to partner with Catoctin Creek on this whisky," commented Jason Johnstone-Yellin, co-founder of Jewish Whisky Company. "Becky and Scott produce some gorgeous spirits; we'd been pouring alongside them for years at various whisky festivals, and over the years we've become friends. We are delighted to bottle Catoctin Creek as the first American offering for Single Cask Nation."

The Single Cask Nation Catoctin Creek expression will be bottled at cask strength with approximately 200 bottles available. While the bottles will only be available to the members of Single Cask Nation, anyone can join via their website (www.singlecasknation.com).

About Single Cask Nation:  Single Cask Nation is the creation of the Jewish Whisky Company. The Jewish Whisky Company is faithfully dedicated to independently bottling the world's finest and rarest single cask whiskies for the diverse members of Single Cask Nation. For more information, contact Jason Johnstone-Yellin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company 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. At Catoctin Creek, high quality and eco-ganic spirits are our passion. For more information, contact Kyle Schmitz at www.catoctincreek.com or 120 W. Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Tel: 703-794-7713.

March 19, 2014, Purcellville, VA – Award-winning Catoctin Creek Distilling Company – based in historic Purcellville, VA in Loudoun County, celebrated for its premium spirits including Roundstone Rye, Watershed Gin, 1757 Brandy, and Mosby’s Spirit, amongst others – was announced as a finalist for ‘Regional Food & Beverage Producer of the Year’ last night at RAMW’s 2014 RAMMYS Nominations event hosted at The Hamilton in Washington D.C. amidst hundreds of high-profile hospitality industry professionals.

Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) added the new ‘Regional Food & Beverage Producer of the Year’ award category to its line-up this year to celebrate some of the regions most respected artisans. Catoctin Creek Distilling Company – the first legal distillery to open in Loudoun County since before Prohibition – was included in this high-profile collection of nominees amongst other notable artisans including: Port City Brewing Company, DC Brau Brewing Company, Rappahannock Oyster Co., and Red Apron Butchery.

"We are extremely honored to be nominated for this prestigious award and would to thank RAWM for creating this award category this year showcasing hard-working artisans throughout the metropolitan area, who absolutely love what we do,” said Scott Harris, founder of Catoctin Creek Distillery. “We’re celebrating our 5 year anniversary this year, just opened the doors to our new distillery and tasting room this past summer, and this nomination adds a whole new level of excitement and recognition for all of us at the distillery as we move forward in 2014. We’re also thrilled to share this nomination with such a talented group of fellow artisans and we wish everyone the best of luck as we prepare for the 2014 RAMMY Awards Gala in Washington D.C. on June 22nd.”

The annual RAMMY Awards Gala is the signature annual fundraiser for Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) recognizing the best and brightest in the area’s vibrant restaurant industry. On Sunday, June 22 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, winners from 21 categories will be announced and awarded, including four to be chosen by public vote. 2014 will serve as the 32nd Annual Gala.

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. For more information on the 2014 RAMMY Awards click here.

About the 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. For additional information please visit www.RAMW.org.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:  Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (120 West Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132; Phone: 703-794-7713; 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 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.

Distilled Spirits Council Elects Eight-Member Advisory Council

February 4, 2014, Washington, DC – The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) announced that an eight-member Advisory Council has been elected by the Small Distiller Affiliate Members for a term through the 2015 Annual Policy Conference.

New Advisory Council members include Andrew Auwerda of Philadelphia Distilling, Philadelphia, PA; John Dannerbeck of Anchor Distilling Co., San Francisco, CA; Kent Fleischmann of Dry Fly Distilling, Spokane, WA; Dan Garrison of Garrison Brothers Distillery, Hye, TX; Scott Harris of Catoctin Creek Distilling Co., Purcellville, VA; Wes Henderson of Louisville Distilling Co., Louisville, KY; Paul Hletko of Few Spirits, Evanston, IL; and Lance Winters of St. George Spirits, Alameda, CA.

“Today’s announcement enhancing the governance structure of DISCUS’ Small Distiller Affiliate group will help advance the public policy interests of distillers of all sizes in our nation’s capital, in the states, and around the globe,” Distilled Spirits Council CEO Peter H. Cressy said. “It is critically important to work together in addressing the ongoing challenges of market modernization and blocking job-killing hospitality taxes, while promoting social responsibility and moderation.”

The Small Distiller Affiliate Membership, which was originally launched in 2010, now numbers over 80 members in 30 states. Its purpose is to organize the growing number of small distilled spirits producers across the nation and to give them a voice in public policy issues affecting the industry at every level of government. In addition to public policy matters, the members have many opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities from export promotions abroad to high-level meetings and events with top legislative and policy leaders and major associations from the other industry tiers.

"Catoctin Creek has been a member of the Small Distiller Affiliate group since its inception in 2010," remarked Scott Harris, founder of Catoctin Creek.  "We felt from the beginning it was important to play a proactive role with policy issues for small producers, and DISCUS more than any other organization, has been very effective in giving us a voice in DC and around the world.  I am thrilled to be elected by a group of my peers, and I am ready to get to work!"

About DISCUS:  The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) is the national trade association representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States. For more information, contact Frank Coleman at www.distilledspirits.org or 1250 Eye Street, NW, Suite 400. Washington, D.C. 20005. Tel: 202-682-8840.

About Catoctin Creek Distilling Company: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company 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. At Catoctin Creek, high quality and eco-ganic spirits are our passion. For more information, contact Kyle Schmitz at www.catoctincreek.com or 120 W. Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Tel: 703-794-7713.