Tales of the Cocktail 2015

Rye was once a powerhouse of the whiskey world, but America’s changing palates and Prohibition put an end to that...until now. Thanks to the current craft spirits renaissance and an army of cocktail focused bartenders, rye and the classic libations it inspired have made a triumphant comeback. “Maryland Rye” once existed as a beloved and widely marketed style appreciated throughout the country, as storied in its history as Kentucky’s own bourbon.

How did such a booming industry slowly get proofed out of national prominence? How do we recognize and support new craft whiskies with a sense of place and purpose? We’ll explore some of the social, agricultural and economic forces that wiped this distinct regional style of a great American spirit off the face of the earth.

Join Baltimore bartender Doug Atwell (managing partner, Rye) as he leads a discussion on the appeal and process of bringing Maryland rye back from the brink of extinction. This seminar will feature the expert opinions of owner-distillers Allen Katz (New York Distilling Company and Baltimore native), Ned Wight (New England Distilling Company) and Ben Lyon (Lyon Distilling Company).

This seminar will also feature a historic Maryland punch, whiskey tastings, and the first public industry tasting of New York Distilling Co.’s Ragtime Rye.