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News and Press Releases - 2023

Press Release: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company introduces Hot Honey Rye

This is the Purcellville distillery's first new product in over five years.

PURCELLVILLE, Va. (September 25, 2023) - - - On Sunday, October 1st, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company will release their first new product in over half a decade:  Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye.  This product will be available nationally, including ABC stores statewide in Virginia, but also retailers and restaurants in the Maryland and DC areas, and in select states nationally.

Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye™ is a reprise of a very popular Barrel Select offering that was released in 2022, and the distillery decided to release it as a permanent line extension. 

"When you take our beautiful, potstilled 100% rye whisky, and you add three types of local Virginia honey (wildflower, clover, and buckwheat) and an infusion of chile peppers, you get something amazing," said Becky Harris, Founder, President and Chief Distiller.  "Because we use real honey, the aroma and flavor of honey are dominant in this whisky, and the honey gives a very pleasant viscosity/mouth feel."

Scott Harris, Founder and General Manager, added, "Just as you're savoring the whisky, the peppers come in with a surprising and delightful bit of heat."

"This whisky is smooth and sweet, with a ZING!  A really fun one!" remarked Dean Caplan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "It is great simply neat, but amazing in cocktails!"

Hot Honey Rye also has a charitable mission:  For every bottle sold, Catoctin Creek will donate $1 to local and national organizations that help conserve bees.

Samples are available to press in limited quantities.  Requests should be made to Scott using the contact page on our website.

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 26 states and 2 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 CatoctinCreek.com. Follow Catoctin Creek on Instagram, Mastodon and Facebook.

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Press Release: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company celebrates Virginia Spirits Month

Take advantage of tastings, events, and 20% off all spirits products.

PURCELLVILLE, Va. (September 1, 2023) - - - Virginia Spirits Month celebrates its eighth year this year. The month serves as a time to recognize the Commonwealth’s rich history as the birthplace of American spirits and highlight the innovation and passion of local distillers today.

To celebrate this September, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company will host tastings and events throughout September. The events will include our quarterly Distillery Dinner featuring Chef Erik Nettnin-Foxx and more.

As part of the celebration, Virginia ABC is hosting the Virginia Spirits Sale-A-Bration. This means throughout September, customers can save 20% on select Virginia spirits purchases made in Virginia ABC stores, distilleries and online stores, including the entire collection from Catoctin Creek.

“Virginia has a rich history of producing craft spirits, and we’re proud to celebrate alongside other talented producers in the Commonwealth as part of Virginia Spirits Month,” said Founder and General Manager Scott Harris. “We hope the promotions will introduce some new customers to our products and inspire more Virginia spirits enthusiasts.”

Catoctin Creek Distilling’s distribution footprint includes the following 26 markets in the United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming, and internationally in Canada, Finland, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.

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 26 states and 2 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 CatoctinCreek.com. Follow Catoctin Creek on Instagram, BlueSky, Mastodon and Facebook.

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Press Release: Rebecca Harris wins Legacy Achievement Award at the Women of Whiskey Awards

Bourbon Women celebrates leaders in the whiskey industry.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (August 28, 2023) - - - Hundreds of people descended on the ballroom on Friday evening, August 25th, for the Women of Whiskey Awards, a ceremony hosted by the Bourbon Women organization.  Awards were given in many categories, including Master Distiller/Production Manager of the Year, Master Blender of the Year, and the pinnacle of the ceremony, the Legacy Achievement Award, which was awarded to Becky Harris, Founder and Chief Distiller at Catoctin Creek Distilling Company.

Each year, Bourbon Women opens nominations for companies, communities, establishments, media companies, and groups to nominate women they feel represent the top movers and shakers in the industry. A small group of five industry experts judge the applications with a scoring rubric based on how well the individual’s submitted information displays the criteria for that award. The judges will remain anonymous and are not influenced by the companies and brands that support Bourbon Women, the Bourbon Women Foundation, or the WOW awards.

By awarding the Legacy Achievement Award to Becky Harris, Bourbon Women acknowledges Becky's vast body of work both as a working distiller at Catoctin Creek for the past 14 years, but also as a tireless champion and advocate for the spirits industry through her work as the first female President of the American Craft Spirits Association, where she was particularly instrumental in gaining FDA approval for distilleries across the nation to respond to the COVID pandemic.  She also help found and sits on the board of the STEP-UP Foundation, which offers meaningful internship opportunities to under-served communities in the distilling industry.

"I am so proud of her," said Scott Harris, Founder and General Manager of Catoctin Creek, who also happens to be her husband.  "When we started this business, Becky was a good sport to distill my whisky for me.  I never would have thought how she would take the reins of leadership in this industry and work so hard to make it a better, more inclusive industry.  She is amazing!"

You can learn more about the Women of Whiskey Awards at:  https://bourbonwomen.org/wow-women-of-whiskey-awards/

Bourbon Women was founded by Peggy Noe Stevens with the vision of being leaders creating empowering and spirited environments for fearless whiskey women through exceptional adventures and experiences; blending spirits education, personal development, community and entertainment in our whiskey world. Their mission is to create an empowering spirits environment by masterfully blending knowledge, community, fellowship and fun.  Learn more about Bourbon Women at https://bourbonwomen.org

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 26 states and 2 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 CatoctinCreek.com. Follow Catoctin Creek on Instagram, Mastodon and Facebook.

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Bourbon Women: Becky Harris named Women of Whiskey Finalist for Legacy Achievement Award

We were delighted to learn that Becky Harris, Founder and Chief Distiller of Catoctin Creek, and also President Emeritus of the American Craft Spirits Association, was named a finalist in the Legacy Achievement Award.

The WOW Awards proudly recognize exceptional women who have exhibited exemplary leadership, fostering opportunities for connection and community within the whiskey industry. As a pioneer in supporting female bourbon enthusiasts, Bourbon Women is the first female whiskey consumer group in the nation and takes immense pride in presenting the WOW Awards as the next chapter in their commitment to honoring the achievements of women in spirits.

Winners will be announced at the conference on August 25, 2023.

You can read the full article, here.

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Press Release: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company and GWAR to release Ragnarök Rye - Oderus Edition

Bottles are available nationally on August 1st, 2023

PURCELLVILLE, Va. (July 21, 2023) - - - Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, The Virginia Rye Whisky℠, is excited to continue their partnership with GWAR with the release of their brand new batch of Ragnarök Rye: Oderus Edition.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the passing of Oderus Urungus, and to commemorate his immortal spirit, together with GWAR we are releasing a bottle just for Oderus!

“With jubilation we announce the Oderus Edition of Ragnarök Rye. Featuring art from the Scumdog himself there is no more fitting beverage to consume before vanquishing your foes on the battlefield or at a small gathering, relishing in tales of conquest amongst your comrades,” says guitarist Pustulus Maximus.

Raise a glass to the memory of Oderus Urungus, the legendary frontman of intergalactic warriors and shock rock legends GWAR. This special bottling of Ragnarök Rye whisky is a bold and spicy tribute to Oderus's larger-than-life personality and unapologetic irreverence. Whether you're a die-hard GWAR fan or just looking for a unique and delicious whisky to enjoy, Ragnarök Rye is as exceptional as the Immortal Corruptor himself ... Hail Oderus!

This year's expression has a special label of Oderus Urungus, drawn by Dave Brockie himself, with a commemorative pewter bartop featuring Oderus. The whisky is our same, 93-point, award-winning 100% rye whisky that has been aged with white oak, sugar maple, and cherrywood, and this year, we’ve added a rum finished barrel for extra chaos! Look for a ridiculously delicious whisky!

Up to 200 cases of Ragnarök Rye: Oderus Edition (92 proof/46% ABV) $99/750mL will be available throughout Catoctin Creek’s national distribution footprint beginning Tuesday, August 1st. It will also be on sale in the distillery’s online store for curbside pickup or direct shipping in Virginia only. Nationwide orders can be purchased at ReserveBar.com. In Virginia, Rye Society™ members may call the distillery to obtain a bottle any time before the release date. For more information, video content, or merchandise, visit GWAR.net.

Catoctin Creek Distilling’s distribution footprint includes the following 26 markets in the United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming, and internationally in Canada, Finland, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.

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 26 states and 2 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 CatoctinCreek.com. Follow Catoctin Creek on Instagram, Mastodon and Facebook.

For More Info on GWAR Visit:

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