Days of Pikesville Rye may return with Sloop Betty
Pikesville Supreme Rye Whiskey hasn't been locally owned since the early 1980s. And many, if not all, of Maryland's distillers breathed their last gasp in the 70s. But, in March, two brothers, Christopher and Jon Cook, will become the state's first distillers in 40 years. That's when they plan to start making a premium wheat vodka called Sloop Betty, reporter Jill Rosen writes in today's paper. The vodka will also be unique nationwide:
Bill Owens, president of the American Distilling Institute, says only 254 companies, all of them small, are making craft spirits. Seven years ago, when the Cooks first thought of trying it, there were fewer than 100.
It's not clear yet who will carry the vodka - the brothers haven't signed their distributor agreement yet. But it's probably safe to say that some places that still carry Pikesville Rye - like Idle Hour and the Pinehurst Wine Shoppe in North Baltimore - will.
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
They're not making rye, because things like rye and whiskey is difficult to get right. Vodka is basically grain alcohol and water (flavoring if desired).
Posted by: Eric | February 21, 2011 5:09 PM
Whiskey takes years to age, they're probably making clear stuff like vodka first so they can make some money while it ages.
Posted by: Bill W | February 22, 2011 8:04 AM
You got me all excited...I thought Rye Rye was coming to Pikesville to play a show... :-(
Posted by: TheBeav | February 22, 2011 3:01 PM
Now this is the Rye Rye I'd like to hear more about!
Posted by: Dave | February 22, 2011 4:34 PM
They're not actually distilling. They have no still. They are buying distillate from other sources and further filtering it.
Posted by: BC | February 23, 2011 4:21 PM
Bartenders (2218 Boston Street) will be carrying Sloop Betty. In fact it will be one of our" Featued Spirits" throughout April with free samples and a cocktail challenge every Wednesday from 6-8pm. One of those Wednesdays the distillers themselves will be on hand to support Sloop Betty. Check our Facebook Page : Bartenders Pub for updated information.
Cheers,
Dave
Bartender/Owner
Posted by: Dave Spence | March 25, 2011 1:29 PM