FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARYLAND DISTILLERIES EARN NATIONAL RECOGNITION IN READERS CHOICE POLL
LYON RUM, McClintock Distilling Co., and Sagamore Spirit among the best craft distilleries in the United States.
(MARYLAND) – LYON RUM and McClintock Distilling Co. claim “Best Craft Rum Distillery” and “Best Craft Vodka Distillery,” respectively, in a recent USA Today 10Best™ Readers Choice poll. McClintock Distilling Company also ranks fourth in top craft gin distilleries, while Sagamore Spirit comes in at fifth in the best craft whiskey distillery listing. Rounding out the representation of Maryland Distillers Guild members and earning top honors is Element Shrub, a non-alcoholic mixer producer, claiming “Best Craft Mixer” in the polling.
“We have a singular goal: to make remarkable American rum,” says Jaime Windon, CEO of Windon Distilling, maker of LYON RUM. “By focusing 100% on this spirit that we love, we purposefully set ourselves apart from the vast majority of craft distilleries that produce a range of distillates,” says Windon, who serves as president of the Maryland Distillers Guild. “I speak for my entire team when I say we are very proud to rank among a select few true American rum distilleries and are overjoyed to be recognized as the best and awarded this #1 honor by USA Today.”
Three Maryland distilleries were nominated by a panel of experts as the best craft distilleries producing gin, rum, vodka, and whiskey. Awards were also announced for the best craft brandy, cocktail, growing distillery, and specialty spirit. These categories feature distilleries or manufacturers from the United States, each of them nominated for crafting exceptional products.
“We were truly honored to win best vodka distillery in the country and fourth-best gin distillery from the competition,” explains Braeden Bumpers, co-founder of McClintock Distilling Company. “We were certainly surprised as a small, organic distillery to be considered in the competition and very thankful that our community supported us. We are proud to represent the growing and vibrant distilling community in our state and by joining [LYON RUM] and Element Shrub in taking top honors.”
Maryland and Texas stand out in this recent competition for having multiple local distilleries earning top placements in their nominated categories. The distilling industry in Maryland has seen tremendous growth in recent years. Spirits consumers can find locally distilled spirits, from more than 25 local distilleries, at retailers throughout the state. Most of the distilleries in the “Old Line State” offer retail options for on- and off-premise purchases and have made considerations to operate safely during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Through a 2020 executive order from Governor Hogan, the state’s distilleries may also ship spirits directly to Maryland consumers.
“I think this was a statement year that Maryland is quickly regaining our pre-prohibition reputation as making some of the best spirits in the country,” stated Bumpers.
About the Maryland Distillers Guild
Members of the Maryland Distillers Guild are a community of craft producers, dedicated to developing quality spirits and delivering a dynamic experience for visitors. We invite you to tour our distilleries, learn about our distilling processes, and sample locally-crafted spirits. Cheers to a rich heritage and spirited future!
Follow the Maryland Distillers Guild on Facebook (@marylanddistillers), Instagram (@marylandspirits), and Twitter (@marylandspirits). Up-to-date information about the Maryland Distillers Guild can be found by visiting https://marylandspirits.org.
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