I was down in Baltimore last fall, on November 10 at the 2023 Maryland Rye Whiskey Symposium,
and was lucky enough to taste a pair of great whiskies from a relatively new organic producer, McClintock Distilling.
Co-Founders Tyler Hegamyer and Braeden Bumpers and their families started McClintock Distilling Company, in Frederick, Maryland, it was Maryland’s first certified organic distillery. The distillery was named for McClintock Young, a renowned inventor in the 1800’s who lived in Frederick.
I did not have their White Whiskey, which I have heard many good things about. But the first thing I tasted was the McClintock Bootjack Rye (90 proof), which uses 75% Danko Rye. The whiskey is aged in charred white American oak barrels, This is a lovely rye! Big, spicy, lots of flavor. Hints of dark fruits, notes of caramel, and lots of spice. And a surprisingly smooth finish.
McClintock Matchstick Straight Bourbon has a wonderful mashbill of yellow king corn, red fife wheat, and Danko Rye. Matchstick Straight Bourbon is not as sweet as many bourbons but rewards the drinker with excellent flavor. Notes of honey and fig jam, start the attack, with a hint of spice in the middle, and then finish with vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch. This was a terrific whiskey!
Maryland Rye has made a big comeback, and this pair of whiskies was right on the spot. Fantastic taste and texture. Super impressive. Buy a bottle of each!!! These whiskies are winners!