[BALTIMORE, MD – October 27] – Prepare to celebrate the spirited legacy of Maryland Rye Whiskey! Following its distinguished recognition as the official state spirit during the Maryland General Assembly 2023 session, Baltimore is the perfect city to host Rye Revival. This multifaceted event starts on Friday, November 10, 2023 and encourages the public to engage with local distilleries throughout the weekend. This celebration is presented by the Maryland Distillers Guild and Grow & Fortify. The weekend of whiskey fun kicks off with two unique and engaging programs that promise to delight both enthusiasts and industry professionals.“Rye Revival celebrates the rich history and traditions of rye whiskey distilling. We have a unique opportunity to share and explore Maryland’s contributions to rye whiskey over nearly two centuries,” says Kelly Dudeck, Executive Director of the Maryland Distillers Guild. “As our official state spirit, Maryland Rye Whiskey is enjoying a renaissance as its production continues to be innovated upon and more local distillers craft world-class releases.”
2023 Maryland Rye Whiskey Symposium
The 2023 Maryland Rye Whiskey Symposium is an enriching experience delving deep into Maryland’s integral role in the history of rye whiskey. This symposium is tailored for a diverse audience and caters to craft distillers, distillery operators, rye whiskey enthusiasts, bourbon aficionados, and professionals in the whiskey retail and wholesale industries.
The symposium features a captivating keynote address by Clay Risen, a distinguished New York Times reporter and author of “American Rye: A Guide to the Nation’s Original Spirit.” His talk sets the stage for a day brimming with camaraderie, exploration, and the sharing of knowledge.
Seminars throughout the event will guide attendees on a journey through the world of rye whiskey, from the grains used in production to this spirit’s significant place in history. This symposium offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich legacy of Maryland’s rye whiskey, exploring everything from production techniques to the quality ingredients that contribute to its unparalleled character. A diverse range of panelists and presenters awaits, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table. Notable figures like Carlo DeVito, a prolific wine and spirits writer, blogger, and winemaker, will share their insights. Participants also have the privilege of learning from and sampling whiskey with industry insiders like Todd Leopold, a world-renowned distiller from Leopold Bros., and a panel of women in the whiskey industry that includes Becky Harris of Catoctin Creek Distilling, Jennifer Yang of Covalent Spirits and Monica Pearce of Tenth Ward Distilling Co.
Conference registration is now open to industry professionals and members of the public. Seasoned craft distillers, devoted rye whiskey enthusiasts, and professionals in the liquor industry are invited to participate in this event. The 2023 Maryland Rye Whiskey Symposium will be hosted on Friday, November 10 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Maryland Center for History and Culture.
Friday Night Rye: Grand Whiskey Tasting
Friday evening entices whiskey fans to sample a great selection of rye whiskeys and bourbons. Friday Night Rye is a grand tasting event that invites attendees to embark on a journey through the world of Maryland-crafted rye whiskey and a collection of rye and bourbon whiskeys from world-class producers. This exclusive evening affair is more than just a tasting; it’s an exploration of flavor profiles, a discovery of nuances, and a celebration of the art of whiskey production.
In the spirit of celebrating Maryland’s rye whiskey heritage, Friday Night Rye features a dynamic roster of distilleries, with ten Maryland-based establishments such as Baltimore Spirits Co. and Sagamore Spirit leading the way. They will be joined by a distinguished group of regional and national producers, with notable guest distilleries including Catoctin Creek Distilling Company from Virginia, George Dickel hailing from Tennessee, and Whistlepig Whiskey representing Vermont. Each participating distillery will present an impressive portfolio of its finest products for attendees to savor and explore.
The evening comes alive with the sounds of the Hot Club of Baltimore and through the artistry of cocktail making, showcasing the versatility and depth of rye and bourbon. From classic concoctions to innovative libations, the cocktail experience promises to tantalize taste buds and awaken the senses. The Grand Tasting also offers a culinary journey, with exceptional rye-inspired nibbles complementing the bold flavors of whiskey.
Rye Revival is set to be an unforgettable experience, featuring both local and world-class modern rye producers. Join us on November 4, 2023, for an extraordinary celebration of Maryland’s rye whiskey heritage. Registration for the Maryland Rye Symposium and tasting passes for Friday Night Rye are now on sale. Visit ryerevivalmd.com for event details and ticketing information.
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!
The Maryland Distillers Guild can be followed on Facebook (@marylanddistillers), Instagram (@marylandspirits), and Twitter (@marylandspirits). Information about the Maryland Distillers Guild is updated at marylandspirits.org.
