Queenstown, Maryland (May 9, 2023) – Craft distilleries from across the country will once again compete for top honors at a national whiskey-tasting competition sponsored for the first time by Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA). Craft spirits are a fast-growing U.S. industry – the number of craft distillers has increased 54% since the inaugural competition in 2016 — and whiskey is its most popular product. Most distilleries that produce craft products are family-owned and rely on farmers for a reliable supply of corn to make the mash from which spirits are distilled.
On May 3rd, Governor Wes Moore signed a bill sponsored by Delegate Kirill Reznik and Senator Steve Hershey making Maryland Rye Whiskey the State Spirit. Maryland farmers grow rye over the winter to maintain the nitrogen from the previous crop and protect the soil. Once harvested, it can be used by local distillers to make whiskey. Maryland’s own Delegate farmer, Natalie Ziegler (District 9 – Howard County) grows rye on her farm which is used by Sagamore Spirit Distillery in Baltimore. MGPA President, Justin Brendel, said “The Maryland Grain Producers were excited to work alongside a great group to pass House Bill 179 this session and showcase a valuable crop our producers grow.”
The 2023 competition will for the first time award a trophy for Top Farmer-Distiller, the top-scoring whiskey produced by a distillery whose owner(s) operates a working farm.
“Maryland Grain Producers is excited to sponsor this event. Especially this year as Maryland Rye has been designated as the Maryland State Spirit! We hope this will create more opportunities for Maryland farmers to diversify into growing rye to be used in local distilling.”
Lindsay Thompson, Executive Director
Sponsorship from Maryland Grain Producers makes the state competition possible by providing funds for the competition. The two-day blind judging event will award medals in multiple whiskey categories (e.g. rye, bourbon, bottled in bond). The most coveted medals are for Best of State, the best-scoring whiskey across all categories. A best-of-show trophy is also awarded.
The awards are important for distillers to attract the interest of customers and also distributors who legally market and sell spirits to retailers. The competition will take place on August 2nd and winners will be announced in September. Learn more and register here.
Maryland Grain Producers Association is a membership organization of grain producers across the state. The organization’s major role is to act as a voice for grain farmers, mostly through its legislative activities both at the state and federal levels. Members stay informed through newsletters, social media, and the Maryland Commodity Classic. Learn more about the organization here.
The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) is the only registered non-profit trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry. Its mission is to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirit producers, and membership in ACSA is open to anyone.
ACSA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the eligible voting members of the Association. Voting members must be independent licensed distillers (DSPs) annually removing fewer than 750,000 proof gallons from bond (the amount of which a Federal Excise Tax is paid).
