Maryland’s Best and the Maryland Grain Producers Announce First Farmer’s Choice Award for Maryland-made Whiskey

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ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 26, 2024) ~ In its inaugural year, the Maryland Grain Producers Association and Maryland Department of Agriculture's Maryland's Best program have announced the winner of the 2024 Maryland's Best Whiskey competition. After a blind taste test and lively debate, Frederick's McClintock Distilling was named the champion for their Old Etzler Straight Rye Whiskey.

The competition, which aims to promote the use of local grain in whiskey production, featured two awards: the Maryland's Best Farmer's Choice Award and the Maryland's Best Cocktail Competition. Seven Maryland companies participated, including Baltimore Spirits Company, Louthan Distilling, McClintock Distilling, Meinelschmidt Distillery, Pathfinder Farm Distillery, Tenth Ward Distilling and Tobacco Barn Distillery.

The judging panel consisted of Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks, Secretary of Emergency Management Russell Strickland, Chief Legislative Officer for Governor Wes Moore Eric Luedtke, and three grain farmers - Jason Scott, Chip Bowling and John Bruning.

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Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks expressed his excitement about the collaboration between grain producers and distillers in highlighting the role of agriculture in spirits. He stated that one of their goals at the department is to remind consumers about the connection between agriculture and their favorite products.

The winner of the Farmer's Choice Award was determined through a blind taste test held at the Maryland Department of Agriculture earlier this month. After much deliberation, McClintock Distilling's Old Etzler Straight Rye Whiskey emerged as the victor. This whiskey is made with Danko Rye, Warthog Red Wheat and Yellow King Corn from Celadon Farms (Mt. Airy), Bought The Farm (Thurmont), and Wallin Organic Farm (Warwick). It is aged for five years in New Cooperage White American Oak barrels.

In addition to a $1,000 prize from the Maryland Grain Producers Association, McClintock Distilling will also receive a trophy and the rights to use a special logo on their products to recognize their win. The Old Etzler Straight Rye Whiskey is released every December and can be purchased at McClintock Distilling in Frederick County or through their website.

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The Maryland's Best Cocktail Competition took place on July 25 at the annual Maryland Commodity Classic in Queen Anne's County. Five participants created cocktails using a base spirit made with at least 50% Maryland grain. Attendees were able to sample and vote for their favorite, with the top three winners announced at the end of the event.

First place went to McClintock Distilling for their Free State Gold Rush cocktail, earning them a $500 prize. Second place was awarded to Tobacco Barn Distillery for their Maryland Bourbon Cream cocktail, winning them $300. Meinelschmidt Distillery took third place with their Jalapeño Sour cocktail, earning them $200.

Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board President Steve Ernst expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between his organization and the Department of Agriculture in recognizing those who use local grain in their beverages. He also mentioned that they are looking forward to further developing this relationship.

To find all the products and cocktails featured in the competition, visit Marylandsbest.net. For more information about Maryland Grain, visit their website. Those interested in participating in future competitions can contact Maryland's Best Director of Special Projects Kristin Hanna at kristin.hanna@maryland.gov.

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