McClintock Distilling

THIS SMALL CITY IS DRENCHED IN HISTORY AND CRAFT BOOZE

Well known for its civil war history and large historic district, Frederick is also bursting with craft beverage producers including both well-established and up-and-coming wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Couple that with a dynamic restaurant and food scene and you’ve got yourself a one-stop destination whether you’re a foodie or a craft beverage aficionado.

A great way to start your exploration of the small city is by joining the three-hour Market Street Food Tour. The $65 tab includes stops at six different restaurants and specialty food shops to sample distinctive food and beverages—all the while learning about the architecture, history, and culture of Frederick. The guides get high marks for their levity combined with solid intel on the town and its culinary offerings.

After the tour, visit the two intown distilleries: Tenth Ward and McClintock. The women-owned Tenth Ward offers whiskey, brandy, seasonal liqueurs, and Maryland’s first absinthe. Tastings here are designed to “walk customers through nosing and tasting notes, educate them about the ingredients and how the spirits are made, and give recommendations on how to enjoy them at home,” according to Amanda Boroughs, the distillery’s marketing and events manager. The distillery sources most of its ingredients from farms within 30 miles and works with local farmers to encourage them to grow other needed ingredients.

McClintock Distilling Company is not only Maryland’s first and only certified organic distillery, but it is also one of the most lauded, with major nods for its bourbon and gin, as well as its environmental practices. Signature spirits include Maryland-Heritage White Whiskey, Bootjack Rye Whiskey, Matchstick Straight Bourbon, Epiphany Vodka, Gardener’s Gin, and four seasonal cordials. McClintock also runs a series of classes, from the intensive all-day Distilling 101 to shorter workshops like the make-your-own gin class. Braeden Bumpers, owner and distiller, says that education is a core value at McClintock. “We love to raise the level of knowledge and education around all things spirits,” he says. The tasting room offers a flight of spirits and a tour of the organic production floor. The $5 fee for tasting is waived with the purchase of a bottle.

Before heading to dinner, stop in at the Delaplaine Arts Center in the 100-year-old Mountain City Mill. This 40,000-square-foot flagship of the arts features five galleries, studios for classes, a free art reference library, and a gift shop. With more than 50 exhibits a year, you’re sure to see some impressive works of art during your visit. You may also want to drop by the Roads and Rails Museum to see its miniature railroads, especially if you are traveling with children. The mini worlds feature zoos, circuses, a working volcano, coal mine, castle, and more.

Frederick restaurants include the popular, high-end Volt, opened 11 years ago by Frederick native and Top Chef season six runner-up Bryan Voltaggio. Or try the ceviche, crab avocado salad, or fried Brussels sprouts at Mayta’s Peruvian Cuisine, where the service and food rank among the highest in Frederick. JoJo’s Restaurant and Tap House, known for its happy hour, burgers, and 26 rotating craft beers, has live music on Saturday nights.

One of Frederick’s newest restaurants is Hometown Harvest Kitchen, opened by the dairy farming family that established South Mountain Creamery in 2017. Enjoy hyper-local Southern comfort food in a fast, casual setting, or visit the on-site ice cream parlor featuring South Mountain’s delicious sweet treats.

Frederick’s craft beverage scene spreads beyond the city limits. In nearby Thurmont, you’ll find Springfield Manor, also a winery, brewery, lavender farm, event venue, and B&B. Springfield has won international awards for its Lavender Gin. It currently offers gin, bourbon, whiskey, rum, and grappa for sale on site. Dragon Distillery, just on the outskirts of Frederick, has a Dungeons and Dragons-themed decor. Dragon’s bourbon, moonshine, vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and canned cocktails are available in liquor stores, bars, and restaurants throughout Maryland.

Check visitfrederick.org for more information.

Tenth Ward Distilling Company

SIP

McClintock Distilling Company mcclintockdistilling.com l Maryland’s first and only certified organic distillery, highly lauded for its gins, whiskies, and vodkas.

Tenth Ward Distilling Company tenthwarddistilling.com l A woman-owned micro-distillery—specializing in whiskey, brandy, and seasonal liqueurs—is Maryland’s only producer of absinthe.

Dragon Distillery dragondistillery.com l This dungeons and dragons-themed distillery’s spirits can be found throughout Maryland in liquor stores, restaurants, and bars.

Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery

Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery springfieldmanor.com, Thurmont l Not only a distillery, but also a winery, brewery, and lavender farm with an award-winning Lavender Gin.

Catoctin Breeze Vineyard catoctinbreeze.com l At the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, this vineyard is gifted with a desirable micro-climate for growing grapes. Here you’ll find award-winning cabernet francs, syrahs, and barberas (see story, page 20).

SAVOR

Mayta’s Peruvian Cuisine maytacuisine.com l One of Frederick’s most highly rated restaurants where you’ll enjoy traditional Peruvian dishes served with great attention.

JoJo’s Restaurant and Tap House

JoJo’s Restaurant and Tap House jojosrestauranttaproom.com l The go-to place for brews, burgers, and a popular happy hour.

Hometown Harvest Kitchen hometownharvest.com l A new arrival on the scene serving food made from locally sourced ingredients. From the owners of South Mountain Creamery

SEE

Frederick Walking Food Tour tastefrederickfoodtours.com l Enjoy a multi-stop three-hour food tour, a great way to survey the Frederick food and beverage scene.

Delaplaine Arts Center

Delaplaine Arts Center delaplaine.org l This large arts center offers 50 exhibits a year and a full slate of classes, an art reference library, and gift shop.

Roads and Rails Museum roadsnrails.com l See the world of railroads in miniature at this unique transportation museum.