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News and Press Releases - 2023

The Roots of American Rye - Whisky Advocate

Tony Sachs of the Whisky Advocate writes a really in-depth piece about the history of American rye whiskey and the state of production today.  At the end of the article, he ranks several great rye brands in order, and we're very pleased that Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye Cask Proof came in as #2 on that list, with a score of 92 points.  From the introduction of the article:

Danko, Abruzzi, and Rosen may sound like a law firm, or a not-so-hip 70s rock band. But you’ll hear the names being bandied about at small distilleries around the U.S. They are heirloom varietals of rye—grains that had all but disappeared from American farming until about a decade ago, when craft distillers began seeking out local farmers to grow them. Their aim is to restore long-vanished rye whiskey styles, and these forgotten rye strains may be their key to success. It hasn’t been an easy endeavor, but distillers believe the resulting differences make it all worthwhile. 

You can read the full story, here.

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The Absolute Best Rye Whiskeys Between $50-$100, Ranked - Uproxx

Zach Johnston of Uproxx does the full ranking of the 100 best rye whiskeys in the $50-100 range.  Catoctin Creek Rabble Rouser Bottled-In-Bond Rye Whisky ranks in on the Top 20 with an admirable number 18 in the list:

This modern classic from Catoctin Creek is made from a 100% rye mash. The juice is distilled at a lower proof, which lets the graininess shine through in the end product, which is aged for four years before blending, proofing, and bottling. 
...
This is just really well-made. It’s complex while still being 100% approachable. It’s pretty solid neat but really blooms with a little ice or water, opening up a creamier vibe throughout. 

You can read the full story, here.

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Press Release: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company earns four accolades at ABV Network’s Key West Invitational Whiskey Awards

The Virginia Rye Whisky ℠ distillery wins big at new spirits competition honoring top U.S. craft distilleries

PURCELLVILLE, Va. (February 6, 2023) - - - Catoctin Creek Distilling Co., The Virginia Rye Whisky ℠, earned four merits at The ABV Network’s Key West Whiskey Invitational Awards, including two Gold medals for its Roundstone Rye Maple Finish Cask Proof and Rabble Rouser Rye; and one Double Gold medal and category award for its Roundstone Rye 92 Proof “Distiller’s Edition” Rye, which was ranked eighth out of 40 entries and named the “Best Non-Age Stated” whiskey.

The ABV Network, a St. Louis-based media company focused on whiskey content, successfully launched the first Key West Whiskey Awards at its fourth annual Distiller’s Summit in Jan. 2023. This invitation-only spirits competition features the best-of-the-best craft distillery brands selected by ABV Network owner Steve Akley. Although the ABV Network has a long track record of supporting sourced brands that are open about sourcing their products, a key criterion for participation in this event is the distilleries must produce the whiskeys they submit.

“We are delighted to win these awards from the ABV Network,” said Scott Harris, Founder and General Manager of Catoctin Creek. “We were very honored even to be asked to this invitation-only competition, and since it represents the best-of-the-best, just being there is a nice victory. We really appreciate all the support for the craft industry from this fun group of whiskey enthusiasts.”

A panel of 16 whiskey industry professionals and enthusiasts blind tasted each whiskey to determine the Bronze, Silver, Gold, Double Gold and 10 category winners, including a special, “Best in Show” medal for the highest-ranking whiskey amongst the Double Gold winners. Visit https://www.abvnetwork.com/key-west to review the complete list of 2023 results.

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 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 grains and fruits, with spirits available in 47 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 CatoctinCreekDistilling.com. Follow Catoctin Creek on Instagram, Mastodon and Facebook.

  • Double Gold

    Roundstone Rye 92 Proof Distiller's Edition

  • Gold

    Roundstone Rye Cask Proof Maple Finish

  • Gold

    Rabble Rouser Bottled-In-Bond Rye Whisky

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Rabble Rouser scores 92 points - WhiskyCast

We are always grateful for a positive review, and Mark Gillespie, at WhiskyCast, has been doing it for longer than most people.  He reviews Rabble Rouser Bottled in Bond Rye Whisky in his latest podcast, around about minute 38:00 in the podcast:

The nose has touches of nectarines, baking spices, sandalwood, honey, and a hint of tobacco.  The taste is thick and chewy, with peaches, nectarines, clove, cinnamon, and white pepper, along with a hint of cherry pipe tobacco.  The finish fades slowly to a subtle dry and nutty finish. I'm scoring the Catoctin Creek Rabble Rouser Rye a 92.

You can hear the full podcast, here.

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Local Craft Spirits Industry Steps Up for Inclusion - WJLA TV

Becky Harris stopped by WJLA-TV's Good Morning Washington show today to talk about a new program in the craft spirits industry:

The ACSA has launched its second class for its Spirits Training Entrepreneurship Program for Underrepresented Professionals (STEPUP Foundation) .

ACSA’s STEPUP Foundation is a diversity initiative that aims to help combat the lack of diversity in the industry by providing underserved and underrepresented individuals with the training, encouragement, and opportunities needed to enter the craft spirits community through a comprehensive year-long, immersive internship program.

As co-founder and chief distiller of Catoctin Creek, Becky understands the challenges craft distillers, especially women producers, face every day to make their presence known. To her and the ACSA Board of Directors, the more diverse the industry, the more diverse the flavor, the bigger the growth and opportunities.

You can watch the videos and read the full story, here.  Be sure to scroll down to the bottom to see both videos.

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