Catoctin Creek marks 10th anniversary with new bottlings

by Owen Bellwood

American spirits producer Catoctin Creek Distillery is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the launch of two limited edition bottled-in-bond spirits.

The Constellation Brands-backed distillery will release Rabble Rouser Rye Whiskey and 1757 Virginia XO Brandy next month to mark its 10th anniversary. 1757 Virginia XO Brandy has been ageing since 2010 in 53-gallon Bordeaux red-wine casks, making it Catoctin Creek’s oldest release to date. The brandy is made using a blend of Seyval blanc and Chambourcin grapes, which are sourced from Tarara Vineyards in Leesburg, Virginia. “We distilled this brandy during our first year of operation,” said Becky Harris, co-founder of Catoctin Creek Distillery. “It epitomises our attention to craft and collaboration. From the very beginning of our company, we worked with local farmers and vintners to produce products that capture the rich flavour and heritage of our region. We are honoured to release this product for our 10th anniversary.” Named after the year Virginia’s Loudoun County was founded, the eight-year-old XO brandy is said to be “soothing and warm, featuring rich hints of grape, raisin, date, fig, bread pudding, cherry and stone fruit”. The distillery will also release its four-year-old Rabble Rouser Bottled-in-Bond to mark the anniversary. The 100% rye whiskey “offers a rustic flavour profile of clover honey, uncured bacon, deep earthy spice, sandalwood, white peaches, nectarines, peanuts and a hint of mesquite”. Both expressions are bottled at 50% abv and Rabble Rouser Rye Whiskey and 1757 Virginia XO Brandy are priced at US$95.99 and US$89.99 respectively.