The Revival of Baltimore's Rye Whiskey Legacy

When you think of America's top whiskey-producing states, Kentucky and Tennessee naturally come to mind first. While they're the clear front runners today, it wasn't always that way. Back when America was a new nation, Maryland, along with Pennsylvania, led the way in the rye whiskey business, out-producing Kentucky bourbon. While Prohibition caused mass distillery closures and a major decline of Maryland's rye tradition, a handful of small-batch craft distilleries are now emerging with their own unique whiskey recipes that revive this historical drinking heritage.

Why rye? Maryland's Scottish and Irish settlers who brought their distilling trade with them had an easier time growing rye on American soil than other grains such as barley, wheat and corn. This type of whiskey was so popular in Maryland that the distinctive blend of rye, corn and barley became known as "Maryland-style" rye. During its peak just before Prohibition, half of the state's 44 distilleries were located here in Baltimore. Today, Baltimore is home to three distilleries that are leading the resurgence of our city's whiskey legacy. Make plans to visit them during your next stay at Rachael's Dowry Bed and Breakfast.

Baltimore Spirits Company is located at the Union Collective in Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood. Its Epoch Rye Whiskey, consisting of 70% rye grain and 30% rye malt, is pot-distilled, just as it would have been made in the 1800s. In addition to whiskey, this craft distillery makes gin, brandy and other spirits. Sign up for an in-depth whiskey tour and tasting that also includes an opportunity for you to blend your own whiskey.

The Baltimore Peninsula neighborhood is home to Sagamore Spirit Distillery. This impressive 5-acre waterfront distillery crafts a number of rye whiskey blends in the Maryland style. Its signature rye whiskey is a blend of two straight rye mash bills, aged four to six years in high-char American oak barrels. A one-hour distillery tour will take you through the processing buildings and give you a guided tasting of four award-winning rye whiskeys.

While it doesn't produce rye whiskey, Old Line Spirits crafts an American single malt (similar to Scotch) that's helping to elevate Baltimore's whiskey reputation. Old Line Spirits was founded by two former Navy aviators who followed their shared passion across the country as they learned the art of whiskey-making. Following your guided tour of this Highlandtown neighborhood distillery, you can enjoy samples of fresh-from-the-barrel whiskey and signature cocktails in the distillery bar.

The revival of rye whiskey in Baltimore is part of a larger trend of craft distilling and the rediscovery of traditional spirits. Consumers are increasingly interested in unique and locally produced spirits, and rye whiskey fits that bill perfectly. Rye whiskey has a rich history in America, and the distilleries in Baltimore are helping to keep that history alive while also creating delicious and innovative spirits.