CATOCTIN CREEK
What makes Catoctin Creek’s rye whiskey fabulously neat is co-founder and lead distiller Becky Harris’ passion for distilling. She prides the company’s success on only using locally sourced fruit and grain. As she often says, “If there’s sugar or starch present I will figure out a way to distill it.” This attention to sourcing produces spirits free from chemical additives and pesticides making each sip much more enjoyable.
Featured Femme Maker: Becky Harris
CAPITOLINE VERMOUTH & APERITIVI
Capitoline has upgraded the way many drink vermouth. Co-founded by Kat Hamidi, booze nerds rejoice about the aromatic classic and its resurgence into popularity. Adding a touch of sweetness and a dash of spice, their vermouth toes the line between sweet and dry. Made in small batches to preserve the integrity of flavor, the beautiful labels give a nod to the spirits’ almost ancient roots.
Featured Femme Maker: Kat Hamidi
Macchu Pisco
Co-founded by sisters Melanie and Lizzie Asher, Macchu Pisco’s uniqueness is welcomed all over the world. Macchu Pisco has received many accolades since its beginning in 2006, including a stellar 94 points at The Ultimate Spirits Challenge. Their expertly crafted spirit of the Andes honors its Peruvian roots while forging its own path. Its balanced and all natural profile is one you absolutely have to try!
Featured Femme Maker: Melanie Asher
18:21 Bitters
18.21 started from a few home experiments with bitters that later included syrups and shrubs. After gauging interest and getting fully funded on Kickstarter the rest is history in the making. Missy and Kristin Koefod have also branched into a coffee and cocktail bar that has garnered critical acclaim in Atlanta.
Featured Femme Makers: Missy & Kristin Koefod
Laird’s Apple Brandy
A family business that has been around long enough to have its 10th generation at the helm. Lisa Laird Dunn is the COO who has rode the wave to see the appreciation of brown liquors become staples in many bar and cocktail programs. The “ugly” apples are usually aged 12 years in barrels, giving the spirit its signature earthy and oaky taste. Make room for applejack in your cocktail adventures – neat or on the rocks!
Featured Femme Maker: Lisa Laird Dunn
REPUBLIC RESTORATIVES
Pia Carusone’s Republic Restoratives entered the marketplace with Civic Vodka – a dry, crisp, corn based ferment with a subtly sweet taste. Borough Bourbon was next, distilled five years with high wheat content and notably smooth flavor. Rodham Rye whiskey is the namesake Hillary (Rodham) Clinton who owns bottle #1 of the distinct pour. A fourth product was introduced in 2017 – Chapman’s Apple Brandy, commemorating Johnny Appleseed’s surname. Picked and pressed in Adams County, Pennsylvania, by seventh-generation Three Springs Fruit Farm for dual-oak resting and distillation at the D.C. warehouse, this refined concoction blending four unique varietals offers a taste of the harvest.
Featured Femme Maker: Pia Carusone