True Standard Distilling is a family-run distillery in Frederick, Maryland, known for its award-winning, Maryland-made rum and other spirits, with a tasting room that offers cocktails, mocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. They focus on combining traditional distilling techniques with a modern twist, inspired by founders' travels, and often host special events and pop-ups in their historic building.
True Standard Distilling is owned by the husband-and-wife team Brian and Ashley Allen. The Maryland-based craft distillery and tasting room, known for its rum, is located at 10 N. Carroll Street in downtown Frederick. Chantel Starks is the head distiller. My two favorites were the Dangerous Summer Reserve Rum and the Dangerous Summer Dark Spiced Rum.
Dangerous Summer Oxford Reserve Rum is a big rum, with hints of toasted oak,
bananas foster, caramel, vanilla, and candied fruit, But it's not as sweet as it smells. There's also a nice touch of tobacco. Smooth. Subtle. Approachable. A perfect substitute for rye in a Sazerac cocktail.
Dangerous Summer Dark Spiced Rum is a rich, dark spiced rum infused with spice, molasses, and a nice dose of oak. Hints of dark cocoa and caramel. Lovely note of tobacco too. The spice is pronounced. Hard to describe, but to me, its a hint of mamajuana spice. This is a fragrant but smooth, big chewy rum, with a touch of spicy bite at the end. Very fun! You could drink it alone, or use it in your favorite spice rum cocktail.
