On Oct. 1, Purcellville, Virginia-based Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. will release its first new product in over half a decade: Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye. This product will be available nationally, including ABC stores statewide in Virginia, but also at retailers and restaurants in the Maryland and D.C. areas, and in select states nationally.
Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye is a reprise of a very popular Barrel Select offering that was released in 2022, and the distillery decided to release it as a permanent line extension.
“When you take our beautiful, potstilled 100% rye whisky, and you add three types of local Virginia honey (wildflower, clover, and buckwheat) and an infusion of chile peppers, you get something amazing,” said Becky Harris, founder, president and chief distiller. “Because we use real honey, the aroma and flavor of honey are dominant in this whisky, and the honey gives a very pleasant viscosity/mouth feel.”
Scott Harris, founder and general manager, added, “Just as you’re savoring the whisky, the peppers come in with a surprising and delightful bit of heat.“
“This whisky is smooth and sweet, with a ZING! A really fun one!” remarked Dean Caplan, vice president of sales and marketing. “It is great simply neat, but amazing in cocktails!”
Hot Honey Rye also has a charitable mission: For every bottle sold, Catoctin Creek will donate $1 to local and national organizations that help conserve bees