I had the pleasure of speaking at Covalent Spirits in Westminster, MD, last month. The tasting was held at Covalent, hosted by the young and dynamic Jennifer Yang, and her husband Andrew Cockley. Also in attendance were Breaden Bumpers of McClintock Distilling, and Manny Soto of Sagamore Spirits in Baltimore. We tasted six whiskies, two from each distillery. Some were available on the market, some were not. It was an exceptional tasting
Maryland has a rich history of distilling, from real distillers, to rectifiers, to bottling, Baltimore and Maryland have etched their name into American whiskey's history and consciousness. All the more exciting as Maryland is in mid-comeback with flourishing distilleries like Sagamore, and boutique, artisan producers like Covalent and McClintok.
Covalent Spirits
Covalent Spirits is one of my favorite producers, mainly because of Jennifer and Drew - forward thinking folks who are making it happen. A small boutique distillery putting out solid and tasty spirits. I loved the Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch 11 AND the high proof Bourbon Batch 12. Covalent continues to impress.
Sagamore Spirits
Manny poured two from Sagamore Spirits. This is one of my favorite producers on the east coast, and one of my top ten producers of rye in the country. Probably in my top five if I'm to be honest with myself. The plant was created with the world renowned master distiller/consultant Larry Ebersold. The Sagamore Finish Rye is a classic rye whiskey finished with vermouth to be reminiscent of a rye Manhattan (is there any other kind?). It's got a lovely tang to it, and finishes beautifully. The small batch rye, a blend of 4 to 6 year old whiskies is a deeply layered spirit, what features caramel, Christmas spice, and a lovely, smooth finish. Excellent.
McClintock Distilling
Breaden poured two whiskies from McClintock Distilling. I like McClintock. A classic small producer, with one of the best cocktail bars of any craft distillery on the east coast. A sophisticated cocktail lounge, that immediately makes one feel comfortable. I'd had the Bootjack Rye before, which I consider a very, very good rye. Makes excellent cocktails! The Husker BiB (Bottled in Bond) Bourbon was fantastic. The mashbill included chocolate malted barley, and added a luscious thick note to the bourbon both in mouthfeel and on the palate. Super impressed.
Covalent has released a whole line of bourbon products, including their classic bourbon, their single barrel Battle Bourbon, and their cask strength Bourbon. All three are excellent, and make great cocktails as well as being easy sippers.
A great sampling of Maryland whiskey!
HERE'S A GREAT PIECE ABOUT JENNIFER, ANDREW, AND COVALENT SPIRITS: