Tasting Panel has declared January to be "Gin-uary" with an extensive write-up on many new gins, from both large and craft producers.  We were thrilled that Watershed Gin was particularly called out in the article:

Launched in 2009, Catoctin Creek Organic Watershed Gin is an artisanal gem made in Virginia by Catoctin Creek Distilling Company.  Like all of the spirits in the craft distiller's portfolio, the small batch gin is an organic slice of luxury.

Read the full review here.

Gie him strong drink until he wink,
That's sinking in despair;
An' liquor guid to fire his bluid,
That's prest wi' grief and care:
There let him bouse, an' deep carouse,
Wi' bumpers flowing o'er,
Till he forgets his loves or debts,
An' minds his griefs no more.

-- Robert Burns, Scotch Drink, 1785.

For those of you with Scottish ancestors (and that should be just about every one of you!), in January, we toasted Robert Burns, the national bard of Scotland. Burns enthusiasts across the world don the kilt and tartans and celebrate the poet's birthday with dinner, drinks and poetry—a lovely excuse to enjoy that "guid ol' Scotch drink".

Big Production Month in January

January was a crazy month for us at the distillery.  The holidays literally exhausted all of our supplies.  You drank us dry! By January 4th, we were almost completely out of Mosby's Spirit, Watershed Gin, Roundstone Rye and Pearousia.  We had less than ten cases left of everything.  Obviously, we had some bottling to do!

With two teams of wonderful volunteers, in one weekend, we bottled approximately 10% of our entire 2011 production!  Yes, over one and a half tons of spirits were bottled and shipped out in just two days.  It was an incredible effort, and we were certainly exhausted afterwards, but we were satisfied knowing that our stock was replenished throughout our markets.

Facing such a shortage was a huge problem, but as Becky likes to say, "We have good problems!"  It was a lot of spirits to ship out, but that just motivated us more to produce these lovely spirits that you all seem to enjoy so much.  Cheers, and thank you!

Appreciating Alice Waters at the National Portrait Gallery

We were very honored to be invited to participate in the unveiling of a portrait for Alice Waters at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC.  Alice Waters is the pioneer chef and owner of Chez Panis in Berkley, California, and the author of the local food "Locavore" movement across the nation.

Both Becky and I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Waters, and what's more, our Watershed Gin was chosen as the local spirit for the night, with Adam Bernbach of Proof/Estadio pouring an amazing pear and gin cocktail for the 300+ patrons.  Many local celebrity chefs, including Chefs José Andres, Cathal Armstrong, and Mike Isabella, among others, were present providing their creations of local foods.

It was an amazing night to be part of the food and drink culture in DC.

Upcoming Events

There are a variety of events planned for midwinter that should prove entertaining and educational:

• All February - Celebrate Lincoln's Birthday - The LINCOLN Restaurant is partnering with local Ford’s Theatre and the Catoctin Creek for a month’s worth of special deals and  drinks.
• February 11 - Bottling Workshop - Ever popular, get a chance to bottle your own Roundstone Rye and take home a personalized souvenir of this very hands-on workshop and tour.
• February 18 - Loudoun Grown Expo - Back by popular demand, the expo highlights the best of Loudoun's local food, wine and YES, spirits!  And this year, we're doing TASTINGS!  We'll be paired up with the NOVA Roller Derby girls, so look for some rowdy fun in the booth!
• February 22 - Cocktails at Rye - Join Scott at Rye in Fells Point, Maryland for a night of cocktails and fun.
• February 27 - Dinner and Cocktails at J&G Steakhouse - Join us for a four course dinner of small plates and cocktails at the J&G Steakhouse in the historic W Hotel Washington.

For the full list of events, check our events page.

Cocktail for February - Pfeffernüsse

Pfeffernüsse are traditional German cookies served at Christmastime.  The cookie is a sharply spiced gingerbread cookie rolled in powdered sugar.  The name, literally, means pepper-nuts, which gives a hint to the ingredients in the cookie.  Here we've reproduced the experience in a cocktail version.  Scofflaw's Den barrel aged bitters provide the spice, with a sharp homemade ginger syrup providing the backbone.  And for a garnish, just a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, to add that authentic German touch.  Schmeckt gut!

2 oz Catoctin Creek Organic Roundstone Rye
1 oz homemade ginger syrup
3-4 dashes of Scofflaw's Den barrel aged bitters
splash of soda
sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, stir together rye, ginger syrup and bitters with ice.  Strain and pour into rocks glass.  Add 3-4 ice cubes, top off with soda, and sprinkle with fresh cracked black pepper.

See this cocktail and over sixty others on our cocktails page.

In Closing...

As always, there are lots of fun and information on our Facebook and Twitter pages, where you can stay up to date with the daily activities at the distillery.  We do tours and tastings every day except Sunday, so stop by and see us sometime!

Remember, "Think Global, Drink LOCAL!"^SM

Cheers!
Scott & Becky

Warren Bobrow does a nice review of our Watershed Gin on Foodista:

And I know a hand-crafted product when I taste it.  This one is creamy, touched by white flowers and simple syrup- yet not sweet by any means.

Read the full review here.

We've been getting some nice coverage in the local press for our collaboration with DC Brau.  On Monday, January 30, DC Brau is launching their Penn Quarter Porter at Boundary Stone on 116 Rhode Island Avenue NW in DC.  This beer has been aging for six months in our used Roundstone Rye barrels, and the whisky definitely imparts a strong vanilla note into the beer.  Should be yummy!

Nice of the Washington Post and Urban Daddy to pick up the story.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to the year 2012!   Hard to believe it, but this is now our third year in business, and we couldn't be happier!  Sure, we're working our tails off, but anything this much fun is worth the effort!

Here's hoping you and yours have a wonderful 2012, filled with joy, prosperity, and good friends and family.

Cheers to 2012!

Becky on NPR

Perhaps the highlight of our December was Becky's appearance on the Kojo Nnamdi show on WAMU.  Not only is it way cool to be on the radio, but we actually listen to his show almost every day in the distillery!  So to be on this show from one of our favorite radio celebrities, well, it was just really awesome!

Becky was joined by Kevin Kosar, author of 'Whiskey: A Global History' and Bill Thomas, owner of Jack Rose in D.C. to be a part of the show, and together, it made for a really interesting Whisky 101 course:

This storied spirit has a history both global and local, whether distilled in the northern isles of Scotland or the green hills of Kentucky. Sales of all types of whiskey are soaring, and small craft distilleries are popping up across the U.S. We learn about the different varieties--from bourbon to Scotch-- and how this liquor is made and enjoyed. Responsibly, of course

If you missed the show, worry not.  You can download the original podcast and listen to its entirety, here.

Appreciating the Year 2011

There was so much to be thankful for in 2011, and I won't list them all here.  We won several awards and got some really nice press.  2011 was also the year that we took on three wonderful new employees: Greg, Emily, and Chad.  We couldn't ask for better help, and time and time again, these guys are putting a top-notch professional face on what we do back at the distillery.  Thank you, guys!

Most of all, we are thankful for good friends, family, and the support and kindness of customers like you!  Without you, none of this would be worth it.  Keep enjoying those spirits, and we'll keep making them for you!

Upcoming Events

There are a variety of events planned for midwinter that should prove entertaining and educational:

• January 10 - Chocolate and Cocktail Pairing at DC Wisdom - Merideth from MC2 Chocolates, Scott from Catoctin Creek, and Erik from Wisdom will all be on hand to pair up some amazing cocktails with some amazing chocolates!  Space is limited, so reserve by using the link, above.
• January 13 - Bottling Workshop #1 - A rare Friday workshop, where we're bottling Watershed Gin.
• January 14 - Distilling Workshop - Our very popular whisky workshop is totally full now, so if you haven't reserved your space, look for the next one--probably in April--to be announced on January 15th.
• January 15 - Bottling Workshop #2 - A rare Sunday workshop, where we're bottling Roundstone Rye.
• February 18 - Loudoun Grown Expo - Back by popular demand, the expo highlights the best of Loudoun's local food, wine and YES, spirits!  This year, we'll be paired up with the NOVA Roller Derby girls, so look for some rowdy fun in the booth!

For the full list of events, check our events page.

Cocktail for December - Hot Lavender Lemonade

This recipe is cross-posted (with permission) from Inspired magazine:

Nothing could be more civil than a proper hot drink by the fireplace when the wind is whipping across the meadows and a case of the sniffles is threatening tomorrow's snowy hike around Willow Lake.  Call it medicinal if you like, but there's nothing like Catoctin Creek's Organic Watershed Gin warmed with lavender-infused lemonade to take off the chill while giving the promise of a good night's sleep.

2 oz Catoctin Creek Organic Watershed Gin
¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
3 Tbsp local honey (add more or less to taste)
½ cup water
lavender sprig, fresh or dried

To make the Lavender Lemonade: combine lemon juice, water, and honey in a small saucepan, stirring over low heat. Add one 3-inch lavender sprig and bring lemonade to a simmer. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, but do not bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Taste for sweetness/tartness and adjust to your preference. Remove lavender sprig before serving.

Pour 6 ounces of hot Honey-Lavender Lemonade into a large mug and add 1.5 ounces Catoctin Creek Organic Watershed Gin, stirring to combine. Garnish with lemon wheel (optional).

Courtesy Kristen Hartke, photo courtesy Molly McDonald Peterson, and used with permission.

See this cocktail and over sixty others on our cocktails page.

In Closing...

As always, there are lots of fun and information on our Facebook and Twitter pages, where you can stay up to date with the daily activities at the distillery.  Tours are always free, so stop by and see us sometime!

Remember, "Think Global, Drink LOCAL!"^SM

Cheers!
Scott & Becky