WINE, CRAFT BEER & DISTILLING Barreling Back Spirits soar as a surging craft distilling scene revives Maryland’s storied whiskey heritage. A BY BRENNEN JENSEN complex on the Port Covington waterfront. The Baltimore Whiskey Company has its first rye aging away in barrels (look for it in 2018), but sells gin and apple brandy and offers tours of its distillery in the city’s Remington neighborhood. Two former naval aviators bought a craft distillery (and its stocks) in Oregon and moved it to Baltimore to get in on the booming scene. Renamed Old Line Spirits, currently it offers a single malt whiskey with a complex nose of maple, toffee and vanilla. There is also a peated version—an American take on a smoky Scotch. And there are many other tipples to try. Twin Valley Distillers in Rockville bills itself as “Home of Maryland’s Bourbon.” After adding distilling to its vino business, Fiore Winery in Harford County now offers limoncello made using an old family recipe and grappa from its own grapes. vodka. Lyon Distilling in St. Michaels also makes a rye but is perhaps best known for its rums, which are a hit with the sailors that populate the nautical town. For a fiery exotic taste, head to White Tiger Distillery in Stevensville and try its 120-proof Laotian rice whiskey. The Maryland Distillers Guild has more information on Maryland craft liquors at marylandspirits.org. A century ago, Maryland rye whiskey kept America in the best of spirits coast to coast. The state was a distilling powerhouse, and rye our liquid ambassador. Now, a new wave of craft distillers is picking up the old traditions and making a splash with cutting-edge concoctions of their own. Maryland rye is back, along with vodka, gin, rum, brandy and limoncello. Charm City Sips Baltimore’s Sagamore Spirit has a rye cut with water from a storied Maryland horse farm; visit them at their multi-acre distillery Shore Spirits Blackwater Distilling in Kent Island has made a splash with its award-winning Sloop Betty Sagamore Spirit, Baltimore Wine Trails Find the perfect pairing for your Maryland adventure. BY JIM MEYER DRINK IN HISTORY Antietam Highlands Wine Trail Meander through the mountains of Western Maryland and the heart of the Civil War while visiting eight stand-out vineyards. Don’t miss Big Cork Vineyards, winner of the 2015 Governor’s Cup, and Willow Oaks, where organic fruits become unique artisanal ciders. BOLD WINES AND WARM WELCOMES Carroll Wine Trail From yoga at Serpent Ridge Vineyard to Solstice celebrations at Cygnus Wines to the Maryland Food & Wine Festival at Old Westminster Winery, the five wineries on this trail will welcome you with open arms and open corks. UNBRIDLED BEAUTY AND UNFORGETTABLE WINES Chesapeake Wine Trail With 16 wineries, this trail is the perfect excuse to explore the treasures of the Eastern Shore. Don’t miss St. Michaels Winery’s Gollywobbler Sangrias brimming with fresh local fruit. SOUTHERN CHARM Patuxent Wine Trail The 10 wineries of the Patuxent Trail capitalize on Southern Maryland’s Old-World growing traditions to bring an exciting new vision to classic wine profiles. Port of Leonardtown has helped lead the charge, winning best in class and gold medals at the 2014 Maryland Wine Masters. Maryland’s distinct microclimates provide diversity and flavor to our wines. Try them out along these wine trails. MOUNTAINOUS HEIGHTS OF FLAVOR Frederick Wine Trail With soil as dark and rich as fresh-ground coffee, the beauty of the Catoctin foothills fills every glass at these five wineries. Sample President Frank Underwood’s (of “ House of Cards” fame) favorite vintage at Elk Run Vineyards. Big Cork Vineyards, Rohrersville SEASONAL GETAWAY Piedmont Wine Trail The lush, forested Piedmont plateau is home to eight great wineries; it’s an ideal getaway from summer heat, or to take in the fall foliage. Boordy Vineyards is famous for their outdoor concerts and open-air festivals. ✥ PHOTO: SAGAMORE SPIRIT; BIG CORK VINEYARDS The Maryland Wineries Association has more information on Maryland wine at marylandwine.com. DESTINATION MARYLAND ✥ 23
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