Maryland Distillers Guild Collaboration: Maryland Brandy
Written by Monica Pearce, Founder & Boss Lady
Ever heard of the Maryland Distillers Guild? Well, they keep the show running behind the scenes for all of our state spirit producers! This super fun spirit was released as a part of the Spirits of Collaboration efforts launched in order to raise funds for the guild.
A few fun facts: our Maryland Brandy is Tenth Ward’s FIRST EVER grape-based brandy! It was also produced in collaboration with three Total Beverage suppliers. Keep reading to learn more!
How It’s Made
Releasing 1/20/24, our Maryland Brandy was distilled from a Loew Vineyards estate-grown Maréchal Foch and Leo Millot. Then it rested for 2.5 years through a carefully monitored aging process in unused American white oak. Lastly, our distillers finished the brandy in a Tobacco Barn rum barrel to develop rich and complex flavors. All Maryland sourced, distilled, and finished, it’s a testament to the amazing artistry from our state beverage producers!
While many are familiar with our apple brandies, I was excited for the opportunity to distill wine from a neighboring winery. Brandy is one of the oldest spirits ever made, with grape based brandy dating all the way back to the 1300’s (probably because it is technically distilled wine, which was already prominently produced then!)
Tasting notes: Fresh and dried fruit on the nose with pops of citrus to the taste. Finishes with vanilla, molasses and caramel from the aging process.
Even more exciting news – 30% of all sales will be donated to our state trade association, the Maryland Distillers Guild. I can certainly confirm that we wouldn’t be where we are today without the guild! They are responsible for anything that could support our industry from lobbying, promotion, events and so much more! So I’m super pumped to be able to give back.
I’m even more pumped at the innovation and collaborations that have come together from this program! We’ve always had a wonderful connection with Loew Vineyards who are also woman-owned and operating right here in Frederick County. Then of course we had to include another Maryland distillery in our efforts which is where Tobacco Barn fits in. We wanted to source a sweeter-style barrel that might help bring out the fruit-forwardness of the wine base from this spirit. A molasses-based rum barrel was the perfect option!
Suggested Cocktails
Sidecar
2 oz Tenth Ward Maryland Brandy
0.75 oz Lemon juice
0.75 oz triple sec
Sugar rim and lemon wheel garnish
Rim a martini glass with sugar. Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass. Garnish.
Metropolitan
2 oz Tenth Ward Maryland Brandy
1 oz sweet vermouth
0.5 oz simple syrup
2 dashes aromatic bitters
Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass.
Brandy Alexander
1.5 oz Tenth Ward Maryland Brandy
1 oz dark creme de cacao
1 oz cream
ground nutmeg garnish
Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Grate fresh nutmeg on top.
How do I get my hands on it???
Curious to know how to get your hands on it? We will open up pre-orders to our club members on 1/17/24, and sales will be open to the public at our tasting room, any offsite farmers markets and online on 1/20/24. So come snag a bottle and support your Maryland booze factories!
