According to the company website, Mark McLaughlin and Arch Watkins met in the Navy flying EA-6B Prowlers. In different active duty squadrons, they were both stationed at the same base in at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, in Washington state. After more than a decade of flying off of aircraft carriers and being stationed all over the world, they independently decided to settle down in the mid-Atlantic to focus on family, but ended up in the same Navy reserve Prowler squadron. Coincidentally, they were later neighbors in Baltimore as well; Mark working in finance and Arch in engineering. Their shared love of whiskey and, at the time, a dearth of craft distilleries in Maryland led them to their true calling: starting their own distillery. Finally, in February 2017, Old Line Spirits opened its doors to the public with great support of friends, family, and the Highlandtown neighborhood.
Based in Maryland, Old Line specializes in American Single Malt whiskey. I tasted two samples of Old Line's whiskies - Old Line Flagship Single Malt and Old Line Single Malt Navy Proof.
Mark McLaughlin and Arch Watkins met i
Flagship 95 American Single Malt 47.5% ALC./VOL / 95 Proof is as named - the Flagship of their line. Crafted from 100% malted barley and matured for 4 to 6 years in new, heavy char American oak barrels, this whiskey starts with a hint of spice on the palate, but dominant on both the nose and in the mouth, of vanilla, toffee, dark cocoa, and cereal notes are exquisite. This is a dangerous American Single Malt - because it is so easy to drink. Smoooth, with layers of soft flavors, it is excellent. McLaughlin and Arch Watkins mstate.
Navy Strength 114 American Single Malt 57% ALC./VOL / 114 Proof
Bottled at a robust 114 proof, this American Single Malt is a nod to the traditional strength cherished by both American and British navies. This version of the whiskey exhibits all the same flavors as the flagship, but with more intensity and with a smoothness that makes the picture just that much finer. There's a bigger hint of spice up front, the dark cocoa is more intense, the toffee becomes brown sugar, and the cereal notes ripen into a sweet shortbread. For 'Neat Freaks' this is indeed the perfect sipping whiskey. And of course, at this big proof, it stands up to ice our stands out in a cocktail.
Two really beautful whiskies. Made for a Rear Admiral or a discerning Fighter Pilot. Now you can enjoy it too!