William E. Kricker

Let's set the stage: it's the 1930s, and Prohibition has just been repealed. Thirsty crowds are ready to embrace whiskey again, and distilleries are popping up across the country. One of them was the Baltimore Pure Rye Distilling Co., located in the quiet, steelworker town of Dundalk, Maryland. Back then, Dundalk had a population of about 8,000, and the distillery's towering smokestack—emblazoned with "Baltimore Pure Rye"—became a local landmark.

Maryland's soft water and high-quality rye made it a prime spot for whiskey production, and Baltimore Pure Rye jumped in with both feet. Led by president and master distiller William E. Kricker, the company quickly established itself as a key player. Their rye whiskey wasn't just any whiskey; it was the real deal rye. With a mash bill of 98% rye and aged in charred white oak barrels, this Maryland rye strayed away from the "Maryland-Style" Rye that adds a good bit of corn into the mash to sweeten and soften the rye punch. But that rye punch—bold,

spicy, and full of character, found a lot of favor. Customers nicknamed it "Baltimore Paint Remover" for its strong, robust character—a true badge of honor for rye whiskey enthusiasts.

Kricker wasn't shy about putting his name on the line. Every bottle had his picture and signature on it. His way of promising authenticity, and the whiskey lovers of the time seemed to appreciate it. By 1938, the distillery produced 9,000 gallons of rye whiskey daily, all aged in a state-of-the-art six-story warehouse.

A Man of Old-School Standards

William E. Kricker was a rugged individualist who valued craftsmanship over shortcuts. While other distillers experimented with faster, cheaper methods, Kricker stuck to the "old-fashioned Maryland way", even if he wasn’t doing it in the classic “Maryland-Style.”  He even used a unique three-chamber charge still, a piece of equipment that gave his whiskey a rich, full-bodied flavor that helped it stand out in a crowded market.

Kricker's journey to becoming a master distiller is as fascinating as his whiskey. Born in 1870 in Portsmouth, Ohio, he grew up in a family of German immigrants. His early exposure to distilling came through his brother-in-law, Simon P. Balmert, who ran a successful liquor business in Portsmouth. By the time William came of age, he was already working as a distiller for the Spring Lane Distillery Company, a venture co-founded by Balmert.

In 1904, Kricker moved to Baltimore and began a new chapter. He co-founded the Maryland Culture Yeast Company, an ambitious but short-lived venture focused on manufacturing yeast. His connection with the Winand brothers, prominent Maryland distillers, likely led him to work at the Pikesville Distillery, where he honed his skills in traditional rye whiskey production. His experience at Pikesville solidified his approach at Baltimore Pure Rye, where he championed high-quality rye mash bills and authentic distilling techniques.

Kricker's commitment to excellence paid off. The distillery's reputation grew, and its products could be found in many high-end bars and restaurants.

The End of an Era

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. In 1957, Baltimore Pure Rye closed its doors following Kricker's death. Seagram's, a corporate giant that used the plant to produce other spirits, including Captain Morgan and Myers's Rum, purchased the facility. By the late 1980s, the distillery was reduced to a storage facility before shutting down entirely.

As it fell to ruins, it was more known for the fires and tragic accidents that plagued the area rather than its long history as a premier distillery. It was finally demolished in 2017. Today, the area is being transformed into a townhouse development. However, the iconic smokestack still stands, whispering stories of the past.

A Legacy Worth Sipping

The legacy of Baltimore Pure Rye Distillery lives on in the revival of Maryland's rich whiskey history, which is well underway. Distilleries like Sagamore Spirit and Baltimore Spirits Company are proudly carrying the torch. They're proving that rye whiskey—with its bold spice and unmistakable character—deserves a spot on every whiskey lover's shelf.

William E. Kricker's legacy is more than good whiskey; it's about preserving a tradition. He insisted on using authentic methods and refused to compromise on quality. All this left a mark on Maryland's whiskey history and has influenced today's generation of Maryland distillers.

Next time you enjoy a glass of rye, think about the man who put Dundalk on the whiskey map. William E. Kricker: a man who crafted a piece of Maryland history by distilling a damn fine whiskey. And if you haven't tried rye whiskey or think you don't like it, maybe give it a try or try it again.

Contributed by: Michael Koratich and Carolyn Koratich, Frederick, Maryland

with support from Bill & Vicki Gallagher, Mid-Atlantic Rye Whiskey Section Editors, Marriottsville, Maryland