Everything you need to know about Catoctin Creek Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
A brief History
Virginia Rye & Revival Spirit
Barton Distillery lies in Bardstown, Kentucky—often called the “Bourbon Capital of the World”. Founded back in 1879, this site has grown into a major producer of American bourbon. While its name might not be as familiar as some craft distilleries, its output plays a major role in bourbon history and modern whiskey culture.
What gives Barton its edge? It marries traditional production methods (corn‑rye‑barley mash bills, American white oak barrels) with a spirit of accessibility—you’ll find bourbons from Barton that are bold, rich, and still friendly to newcomers. If you’re a UK whisky drinker curious about American bourbon, Barton offers a flavour‑rich introduction that doesn’t compromise on character.
Flavour Profile:
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| Spicy |
Fruity | Oaky / Woody |
Catoctin Creek is renowned for delivering rye whisky with punch, but also finesse. You’ll find bold rye spice, but softened by a smooth grain character and oak maturation. Key flavour traits include:
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A warm nose of honey and vanilla, with hints of orchard fruit
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A palate that brings spicy rye, soft oak wood‑spice and deeper dried‑fruit tones
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A finish lingering with wood, grain texture and subtle fruit‑drying notes
Compared to many bourbons or peated Scotch, Catoctin’s rye sits somewhere in between: lively, flavourful, but not chaotic. It’s whisky you’ll want to sip and savour rather than chase.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Oak / Wood Spice |
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Dried Fruits (raisins, figs, dates) |
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Vanilla |
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Honey |
Popular Bottlings & Releases
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Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye – the signature rye expression, well‑known in craft whisky circles.
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Catoctin Creek Cask Proof Rye – a bolder, high‑ABV version with deeper wood and spice character.
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Catoctin Creek Brandy (Fruit & Barrel Series) – while not whisky, shows the distillery’s breadth of craft.
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Seasonal/Single‑Barrel Releases – limited editions and small‑batch rye that appeal to enthusiasts looking for something special.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company
Location: Purcellville, Virginia, USA
Visitor Centre & Tours
Yes — Catoctin Creek offers a visitor experience. You can visit the distillery in Purcellville, take a tour of the facilities, sample some whisky, and shop exclusive bottlings. Because it’s lesser‑known than many Scottish or major US distilleries, the visit often feels more intimate, hands‑on, and authentic. It’s ideal if you ever find yourself curious about the American rye scene beyond the big names.
Ownership & History
Current Ownership: Remains a privately‑owned company under Scott and Rebecca Harris.
Key Milestones:
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2009: Founding of the distillery with ambition to revive rye in Virginia.
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2010s: Received multiple awards for rye whisky excellence, boosting its reputation.
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2020s: Expanded capacity, increased visibility in both US and international markets.
Through its journey, Catoctin has kept craftsmanship at its heart—grain‑to‑glass thinking, small batches, and a commitment to authenticity.
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
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Catoctin Creek was founded in 2009 by Becky and Scott Harris in Purcellville, Virginia, USA.
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It is the first legal distillery in Loudoun County since before Prohibition.
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The name “Catoctin” comes from the nearby Catoctin Creek and mountain range, meaning “place of many deer” in Native American languages.
Production & Philosophy
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Specializes in rye whiskey, particularly its signature Roundstone Rye.
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Known for using 100% organic rye grain, sourced locally when possible.
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Spirits are certified organic and kosher, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and purity.
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Distillation is done in traditional pot stills, with attention to small-batch quality.
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The company emphasizes craftsmanship, transparency, and local sourcing.
Core Range
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Roundstone Rye 80 Proof – Flagship expression: smooth, spicy, and approachable.
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Roundstone Rye 92 Proof – A bolder version with more oak and spice.
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Roundstone Rye Cask Proof – Bottled at barrel strength, full-bodied and complex.
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Also produces apple brandy, pear brandy, and craft gin, often in limited seasonal batches.
Flavour Profile (for Rye)
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Nose: Toasted grain, baking spice, honey, dried fruit.
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Palate: Peppery rye spice, vanilla, caramel, subtle fruitiness.
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Finish: Medium to long with spice and oak lingering.
Reputation & Experience
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Widely regarded as a leader in American craft rye whiskey.
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Recognized with numerous awards for both quality and innovation.
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Offers distillery tours, tastings, and cocktail events at their facility in Virginia.
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Known for a community-focused, transparent approach to distilling.
Catoctin Creek Whisky to Buy
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