Catoctin Creek was recognized among Virginia’s best craft spirit producers, earning Gold medal honors for its Hot Honey Rye at the 2025 First Landing Cup, a statewide competition organized by the Virginia Distillers Association and the Virginia Spirits Board. The distillery’s Roundstone Rye Cask Proof and Rabble Rouser Bottled-In-Bond Rye Whisky both took SILVER medals in the competition.
Hot Honey Rye was first introduced during COVID, when we were looking for a fun new product to cast away the pandemic blues. Hot Honey Rye is a mixture of our award winning Roundstone Rye 80 Proof with three types of real, local Virginia honey and a dash of habañero chilis for a hint of spice. It can be ordered online at buyvirginiarye.com.
The First Landing Cup celebrates Virginia-made spirits that exemplify excellence in craftsmanship, innovation and quality. Named after the historic 1607 landing at Cape Henry—the birthplace of American distilling—the competition drew 108 entries across multiple categories, all judged blind by a panel of 21 nationally recognized spirits experts.
“We’re thrilled to be recognized alongside so many amazing peers across Virginia! Our team pours heart, soul—and a little bit of magic—into every bottle. It’s an incredible feeling to see that passion celebrated,” says Scott Harris, founder and general manager of the distillery.
In addition to this recognition, First Landing Cup gold medalists—including Catoctin Creek—are being featured in the Virginia Spirits Passport Gold Medal Trail, a self-guided tasting experience designed to connect visitors with award-winning distilleries across the commonwealth.
Virginia ABC will also be showcasing First Landing Cup medalists, including Hot Honey Rye, in select retail stores statewide.
For a full list of winners or to learn more about the First Landing Cup, visit virginiaspirits.org/first-landing-cup.