Mid-Atlantic Rye Whiskey Founders
(The Mid-Atlantic States Region include Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia & West Virginia)
MARYLAND WHISKEY FOUNDERS
(NOTE: FOUNDERS ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Below is a list and links to Whiskey Founders that have made huge contributions to the growth of the Mid-Atlantic Rye Whiskey Industry. These may have been historical figures that lived long ago before prohibition or may be living leaders that have advanced the cause of the industry as a whole. Mid-Atlantic Rye Whiskey has been its own whiskey category for years.
1
Eli Breitburg-Smith
Eli Breitburg-Smith, co-founder and head distiller at Baltimore Spirits Company, began his distilling career as a homebrewer and then worked in a homebrew shop. After spending one year working at the Great Basin Brewery in Reno, Nevada, Eli returned home to Baltimore, Maryland where he worked at Peabody Heights Brewery. During his tenure at Peabody, his friends Max Lents and Ian Newton asked Eli to help them plan a distillery.
2
Braeden Bumpers
Braeden Bumpers, along with his college friend (now business partner) Tyler Hegamyer, created McClintock Distilling. Like most craft distillers, they had a lot of family support. Braeden and Tyler had always been interested in doing home brewing. They loved the idea of making something from start to finish. At that time, craft distilling “really wasn't a thing”, says Braeden. But…
3
Edwin Clabaugh
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
4
James Clark
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
5
John T. Cummings
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
6
Colonel Craig Duncan
Colonel Craig Duncan is lifelong whiskey aficionado with a passion for history. He blends these two interests over an elusive glass of single barrel to form a truly unique and informative bourbon experience that you will never forget.
Duncan now resides in Columbia, Tennessee which is in Maury County. He is happily married to his wife of over 33 years, Melissa Page Duncan and they have two adult children.
7
George Gambrill
George T. Gambrill (1842–1930), considered by some as a “Pre-Prohibition Whiskey Scoundrel”, has a storied past. His successful production of Roxbury Rye is what makes him a Maryland Whiskey Founder. His numerous dealings with the legal system lends itself to the seemingly well-earned “Scoundrel” nickname.
8
Basil Hayden, Sr.
Hayden led a group of one hundred Catholics from Maryland into what is now Nelson County, Kentucky in 1785. This area, Bardstown is home to many of the famous bourbon brands and is considered "The Bourbon Capital of the World." Hayden actually donated the land for the first Catholic church west of the Allegheny Mountains.
9
Edward Hyatt
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
10
Outerbridge Horsey ,IV
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
11
Luther King
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
12
William E. Kricker
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
13
Monica Pearce
Monica Pearce grew up in Frederick, MD and continues to live there today. Monica’s education and experience began in Environmental Science and Natural Resources. This impacted her life and how Monica runs Tenth Ward Distilling today. “The whiskey industry changed my career path, but I have no regrets!” Being ready for a career change, and her love of whiskey, led Monica to her journey as owner and “Boss Lady” at Tenth Ward Distilling Company.
14
Levi Price
Levi Price was born to Elijah Price and Sarah Ann Wolfe on October 22, 1835, in Frederick County, Maryland, in what was then the Urbana District, near the present community of Hyattstown. In 1858 at the age of 23 he began his first business, a flour mill, with less than a dollar to his name. Price proved to be highly successful as a businessman, leading him to build a three-story high distillery in 1867.
15
Scott Sanders
The story of Tobacco Barn Distillery transcends the world of whiskey; it is a rich narrative woven with threads of friendship, resilience, and a deep commitment to community. As Scott Sanders, his business partners, and their supportive wives craft exceptional spirits, they remain dedicated to honoring the heritage of whiskey while forging a vibrant path forward. Together, they embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation that is shaping the future of distilling in Maryland.
16
Samuel Taylor Suit
ST Suit was born in Bladensburg, Prince George's County, Maryland. At 14 years old he left school to work as an errand boy in a dry goods store in Washington, D.C. He and his father (an innkeeper) are said to have clashed over the refusal of the elder to pay for his son's further education, leading him to head West at an early age. He initially lived in Keokuk, Iowa, for a time before beginning his whiskey-making career at a distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.
17
Brian Treacy
A friend and highly successful business owner planned to start a whiskey distillery in Maryland and sought Brian’s interest. Brian quickly recognized starting a whiskey distillery is a once in a lifetime opportunity and he couldn’t pass it up. Brian Treacy brought his entrepreneurial spirit, his knack for business operations, and his easy-going creative personality back to Maryland to stand up the most famous rye whiskey distillery in modern times.
18
William & Edwin Walters
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
19
Joseph White
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
20
William Willet, Sr.
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
21
Frank L. Wight
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
22
Lewis Winand
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
23
Jaime Windon
Jaime was born in Md, spent much of her life in the hospitality industry across the USA, and travelled extensively around the world. While tending bar, she developed an appreciation for a perfectly balanced cocktail. Her travels helped Jaime develop a taste for obscure and unique flavors. Intrigued by the resurgence of small-scale craft distilling in America, she co-founded Lyon Distilling Company in 2013, later rebranding as Windon Distilling Company.