Made in Frederick: Dragon Distillery Offers First Spirits in Frederick

Dragon Distillery became Frederick's first distillery within the City in 2016.

In The City of Frederick, local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From popcorn and coffee to dog treats, many businesses are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and to do business. Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products. 

Made in Frederick: Dragon Distillery 
Founded in late 2014 with a grand opening in early 2016, Dragon Distillery is Frederick's first small-craft distillery in the city. Located directly across from the airport, they specialize in small batch artisan spirits, made from the finest locally-sourced ingredients in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Their belief in individuality, creativity, and innovation shines through in their product as well as their medieval-themed decor. They are members of the American Distilling Institute, Maryland Distillers Guild and the Frederick Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to production, Dragon Distillery has a tasting room. Visitors can tour and taste their products on-site. Visit their website for details. 

Dragon Distillery owner Mark Lambert shared some thoughts about Frederick and his distillery.  

Q&A With Dragon Distillery Owner, Mark Lambert

Dragon Distillery offers tours and tastings Friday-Sunday. Visit their website for details.

 
What are your products?
Joust Gin, Clustered Spires Vodka, Bad Bill Tutt Moonshine
 
What differentiates your products from others? 
We are Frederick City’s first craft distillery. We use locally-sourced products, and hand-craft each batch.
 
What should customers know about your products? 
We are committed to producing exceptional local spirits. We encourage customers to stop by the distillery to learn about our process, and taste our products
 
What does Frederick offer a company like yours? 
My family settled in the Frederick area in the mid 1700s. I think Frederick is an exceptional city, and a wonderful destination. The city and residents have been extremely supportive and welcoming. We really appreciate all of the support for our distillery.

If You Go

Dragon Distillery is open Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Check with Dragon Distillery directly for most recent hours of operation.

Hours
Friday: 4pm – 7pm
Saturday: noon – 6pm
Sunday: noon – 4pm
Other times by appointment

Tours are offered on the half-hour, and cost $5 per person. This includes the tour, tastings, and a souvenir shot glass.

1341 Hughes Ford Road, Suite 108
Frederick, MD 21701
www.dragondistillery.com 
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Medieval-themed decor sets the tone in Dragon's tasting room.

The cauldron-like still, the Figgins Reciprocator, is nicknamed “Smaug.”

Clustered Spires Vodka, named in tribute to the City of Frederick – the City of Clustered Spires, is clean and crisp. They recommend it for sipping, or as the base of your favorite cocktail.

Dragon Distillery grand opening on February 13, 2016.

News: Tenth Ward Distilling Company Announces Plans to Open New Distillery in Downtown Frederick

Press release provided courtesy of Monica Pearce, 301-608-8645

monica@tenthwarddistilling.com 

Frederick, MD (September 2015) - A pair of local spirit enthusiasts are well on their way to opening a new distillery in downtown Frederick, MD. Tenth Ward Distilling Company will focus their products mainly on whiskey but will also be producing some brandies and other barrel aged spirits. They aim to be progressive and a little offbeat by experimenting with unconventional ingredients, recipes and aging techniques.

The distillery is on schedule to open in the spring of 2016 at 508 East Church Street. In the late 19th century the area was known as Frederick’s Tenth Ward and served as the inspiration for the company’s name. As part of the industrial area of Frederick, there’s a strong tradition of hard work and grit that the owners hope to carry through their products and the distillery as they begin construction on the space.

The founders have started Frederick’s distillery network group, are members of the Maryland Distillers Guild and are excited to be one of Frederick City’s first distilleries in decades. 

“Our area is already known for its craft breweries and wineries. The growing craft distillery industry is a perfect fit for Frederick,” said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick.   

“A vibrant craft distilling industry brings skilled jobs, visitors and an enhanced focus on locally-produced products." said Kevin Atticks, Executive Director of the Maryland Distillers Guild.

Tenth Ward’s equipment is being built by Anthony Zaca out of Washington state. The 2 custom made stills will forge unique small batch spirits, including some limited edition products.

The distillery will feature a tasting room and tours and special events will be available for adventurous tasters.

Interested parties can sign up to receive email updates on the company’s website, www.tenthwarddistilling.com.

twitter.com/tenthwardco

instagram.com/tenthwardco

facebook.com/Tenth-Ward-Distilling-Company-438307099710706/timeline/?ref=ts


NOTE: City code was amended in December of 2014, which permitted small craft distilleries in the Downtown Frederick area. For more information on the legislation, read the related post, "Are small distilleries the next big thing for Frederick?"

Made in Frederick: Monocacy Brewing Company Offers Creative Takes on Craft Beer

The Monocacy Brewing Company opened in 2012 as an expansion to Brewer's Alley in Downtown Frederick, and has been brewing a variety of local craft beers for three years in its current location. The company was created when Brewer's Alley reached capacity and needed to brew more beer.

Jim Bauckman, the sales marketing director for Monocacy Brewing Company, said that the goal of the company is to create a great local beer made for a diverse group of people.

           

“We strive to represent really creative takes on the growing varieties of craft beer,” said Bauckman.

The brewery is located just outside of Downtown Frederick, and customers can buy and sample beer in their tasting room and tour the facility. Thanks to a recent change in the laws, customers can also buy beer by the pint on site.

Bauckman says that Monocacy's beer is made from locally grown and malted grain. “We are uncompromising when it comes to the quality of our products, from the tap to your refrigerator,” he added.

           

According to Bauckman, Frederick is a great location for Monocacy because of how many people in the surrounding area know about the city.

           

“Everyone knows where Frederick is and the city is becoming a great attraction,” said Bauckman. “Frederick has a lot to offer any business.”      

Monocacy Brewing plans to expand its market base while still having a positive impact on the local community.  Bauckman said that Monocacy has hosted events for Frederick nonprofit organizations.         

“We do our best to give back to the community,” said Bauckman. 

If You Go
Monocacy Brewing Company's tasting room is open to the public for sampling, full pours of draft beer, and growler fills. Tours are offered on weekends as well. For more information and hours, visit Monocacy Brewing Company's website. 

Jim Bauckman, Sales & Marketing Director, and Tom Flores, Brewmaster.

This post was written by Hood College intern, Nick Masucci. 

McClintock Distillery to Call Downtown Frederick Home

A new business is in the process of calling Downtown Frederick and Carroll Creek Park home. McClintock Distilling Company announced plans to renovate 35 South Carroll Street and open in the fall. They will focus on small batch, limited release products that use unconventional ingredients. 

McClintock Distilling on Instagram

A recent press release shared by the company states they will launch with a craft gin using Appalachian-inspired botanicals as well as a sustainably sourced white whiskey. 

Frederick history is tied to this new business as well. The story of a local figure and innovator in the 1800's, McClintock Young, is a source of inspiration for the company. According to their website, "McClintock Young's incredible story will be integral to the products and experiences of the distillery." 

Their website and Instagram account show current work being done on the interior of the building, including great time-lapse videos of the improvements to the space.

City code was amended in December of 2014, which permitted small craft distilleries in the Downtown Frederick area. McClintock Distilling Company is just one distillery expected to open as a result of the updated legislation. For more information on the legislation, read the related post, "Are small distilleries the next big thing for Frederick?"

"We've had inquiries from other distilleries as well, and are very excited to follow the progress of the craft distillery industry in Frederick," said Economic Development Manager Bobby Baumler. 

For more information visit www.mcclintockdistilling.com.