Frank L. Wight
Frank L. Wight (1886-1958)
Frank L. Wight was a prominent figure in Maryland's distilling industry, particularly known for his contributions to the production of Maryland rye whiskey. His family’s distilling legacy began in the 1850s when his grandfather, John Jacob Wight, took over a struggling distillery in Hunt Valley, north of Baltimore. He transformed it into a thriving operation producing Sherwood Rye Whiskey. By 1868, John Jacob sold a controlling interest to Edward Hyatt, which not only solidified the distillery's future but also intertwined the Wight and Hyatt families.
Foundations of Success. Under their stewardship, the distillery flourished, so much so that by the late 1870s, the U.S. Army began stockpiling Sherwood Rye Whiskey for medicinal purposes. Following Edward Hyatt's death in 1894, John Hyatt Wight, Frank's father, took the helm, guiding the distillery into the 20th century alongside his son Frank.
The distillery operated successfully until Prohibition in 1920 forced its closure. After national prohibition was lifted, Frank L. Wight established the Frank L. Wight Distilling Company in Loreley, Maryland, where he and his son, John Hyatt Wight II, produced several brands, including Sherbrook, Wight's Old Reserve, and Congressional Club Maryland straight ryes. Their efforts contributed significantly to the revival of Maryland's distilling heritage.
Crafting the Art of Rye. Wight’s expertise in distilling came from years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of whiskey production. He viewed the craft of making Maryland rye as an art form, reliant on the careful balancing of ingredients and conditions. Wight believed the quality of rye whiskey hinged on factors such as the ratios of rye and rye malt, fermentation temperatures, separation methods, and the characteristics of the spring water used.
In a detailed article for the Baltimore Evening Sun on November 7, 1933—just a month before Repeal—Frank L. Wight shared his insights on rye production, as if to remind Baltimoreans of what they had been missing. He elaborated, “The old rye whiskey may be described briefly as a distillate of the 'beer' of rye and rye malt... But that brief description will perhaps not be sufficient for the average reader.”
Enduring Challenges. After selling the Frank L. Wight Distilling Company in 1943, as tastes began to shift away from Maryland rye, Wight launched the Cockeysville Distilling Company in 1946, returning to his roots with a Maryland straight rye whiskey branded as Ryebrook. To promote his new venture, he preemptively bought newspaper ad space to educate potential consumers about the characteristics of true rye whiskey, aiming to shape expectations before his product was even ready. Despite his proactive approach, changing market conditions proved difficult, and upon his death in 1958, the last Wight family distillery, Cockeysville, closed.
A Lasting Legacy. The legacy of the Wight family is deeply embedded in the history of Maryland rye whiskey, with their distilleries contributing significantly to the region's cultural and economic fabric. Despite the setbacks of Prohibition and evolving consumer preferences, the Wight family's commitment to the craft ensured the art of distilling remained alive in Maryland. While Frank's original recipes for Wight’s Old Reserve and its sub-brands may have faded into history, they likely featured a high rye content with minimal malted rye or barley, steering clear of corn.
Today, remnants of the Cockeysville Distilling Company stand as a testament to the enduring impact of Frank L. Wight and his family on the rich tapestry of American whiskey production. As the industry continues to evolve, the Wight family's pioneering spirit and dedication to quality serve as an inspiration for future generations of distillers.
Contributed By: Barrett Straub, Lexington Park, Maryland
with support from Bill & Vicki Gallagher, Mid-Atlantic Section Editors, Marriottsville, Maryland
Resources: https://thebourbonculture.com/whiskey-reviews/wights-old-reserve-rye-whiskey-1951-review/
http://www.ellenjaye.com/shrwd_sherwood.htm
https://thebourbonculture.com/whiskey-reviews/wights-old-reserve-rye-whiskey-1951-review/