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