An organic Maryland distillery blending 19th-century rye tradition, renewable energy, and small-batch spirits crafted with creativity and precision
Founded in 2016 by Co-Founders Tyler Hegamyer and Braeden Bumpers, McClintock Distilling is a Maryland producer grounded in sustainability, history, and meticulous craftsmanship. Operating on 100% wind and solar energy, McClintock was the state’s first certified organic distillery, a commitment reflected in every grain, botanical, and barrel.
The team’s goal is simple: produce hand-crafted spirits that excel in flavor, creativity, and quality. Every choice — from heirloom grains to small-batch barrels — reflects that ethos.
- Distillery: McClintock Distillery
- Location: Frederick, Maryland
- Founded: 2016
- Known for: Sustainable and clean-energy grain to glass gin, whiskey, vodka, and liqueurs
- Visit Type: Hosted by Tasting Room Manager Alex
The People of McClintock Distillery
Founded in 2016 by Co-Founders Tyler Hegamyer and Braeden Bumpers, McClintock Distilling is a Maryland producer grounded in sustainability, history, and meticulous craftsmanship. Operating on 100% wind and solar energy, McClintock was the state’s first certified organic distillery, a commitment reflected in every grain, botanical, and barrel.
The team’s goal is simple: produce hand-crafted spirits that excel in flavor, creativity, and quality. Every choice — from heirloom grains to small-batch barrels — reflects that ethos.
The McClintock Legacy
The distillery is named after McClintock Young, a 19th-century inventor whose spirit of innovation informs the distillery today. Born in 1836, Young moved to Frederick to pursue his inventions. Years later, the team discovered his old cabin and remnants of his mechanical ingenuity: matchstick-style joinery, bootjack spring mechanisms, and his signature etched in wood.
“Some say we chose his namesake for the company. We believe his spirit chose us.” – McClintock Distillery
McClintock channels Young’s philosophy: elevate every process without compromising quality. From stone-burr milling heirloom grains to careful barrel selection, innovation meets tradition in every step.
Grain, Recipe & Production Philosophy
- Heritage: 1800s Burkittsville rye recipe
- Grain: Organic, pesticide-free heirloom rye and corn
- Milling: Stone burr mill preserves texture and flavor
- Distilling: Single still with gin vapor infusion baskets
- Intentional Scale: Small batches, deliberate attention to detail
The distillery emphasizes pre-Prohibition-style spirits where every ingredient, process, and piece of equipment contributes to flavor, consistency, and character.
Whiskey Portfolio
Bootjack Rye Whiskey
- Mashbill: at least 75% Danko Rye
- Age: 2 years
- Barrel: 30 gallons
- Notes: Dark cherry and marzipan nosing, bold rye spice, with a subtle sweet finish reminiscent of bourbon.
Matchstick Straight Bourbon
- Mashbill: Yellow king corn, red fife wheat, Danko rye
- Age: 3 years
- Barrel: 30 gallons
- Notes: Honey and fig aromatics, bold tobacco and charcoal, light vanilla and caramel finish.
Maple Cask Finish
- Matchstick Bourbon mashbill
- Age: 3 years, 9 months
- Notes: Earthy, candied, and approachable bourbon profile.
- Barrels: Vermont maple syrup casks
- Limited Release for club members
Gins & Other Spirits
The gins stood out as highlights of the visit, showcasing botanical creativity and thoughtful finishes. Each has distinct strengths—particularly the Reserve Gin, aged in cognac barrels, one of the few barrel-finished gins I genuinely enjoyed.
- Forager Gin: 21 botanicals inspired by Appalachian herbs. Aromatic juniper with earthy, floral, citrus, and spice notes. 90 Proof | 45% ABV
- Gardener’s Gin: Aged in Madeira wine casks; hibiscus and lavender on the nose, cucumber, citrus, and lemongrass on the palate. 86 Proof | 43% ABV
- Reserve Gin: First American gin aged in Cognac barrels; citrus, dark fruits, baking spices, and complex sweet-spicy finish. 95.4 Proof | 47.7% ABV
- Epiphany Vodka: Double-distilled, triple-filtered. Smooth, crisp, sweet-earthy flavors with a creamy finish. 80 Proof | 40% ABV
- Spiced Pear Liqueur: Blend of ripe pears, crisp apples, and an aromatic medley of spices with powerful notes cinnamon, clove and vanilla | 30% ABV
- Coffee Liqueur: Cold-brew-inspired, notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and walnut. 60 Proof | 30% ABV
The gins, in particular, shine neat or in cocktails, demonstrating the versatility and precision of McClintock’s vapor infusion process.
The Experience
McClintock offers more than products—it’s an immersive distilling experience. The tasting room invites visitors to learn, sample, and explore the nuance of pre-Prohibition-style spirits. Tours highlight:
- Local, organic ingredients
- Sustainable production methods
- Craftsmanship in every step of the process
Visitors leave with a sense that quality, sustainability, and innovation matter equally, whether enjoying a sipper neat or a cocktail at home.
The McClintock Back Bar
Just a few steps to the left of the distillery entrance, the McClintock Back Bar is the only place to enjoy their spirits in exclusive cocktails, including seasonal offerings.
During my visit, I tried the “Pick Your Poison” option, which combines a spirit of your choice with spiced pear liqueur, pear nectar, ginger syrup, and lemon. I was especially curious about pairing whiskey with the spiced pear liqueur. The result was delicious and lively, with the liqueur’s bold flavor cutting through the whiskey while providing a perfect base for a cocktail mixer.
This spot showcases the full creative potential of McClintock’s portfolio, transforming individual spirits into layered, memorable cocktails.
Sustainability & Impact
McClintock has long prioritized environmental stewardship:
- Organic certification and non-GMO sourcing
- 100% renewable energy (wind + solar)
- Repurposing byproducts and reducing water consumption
Purchasing McClintock products supports a distillery putting people and planet above profit, while delivering spirits that reflect careful thought, creativity, and tradition.
A Note on Tasting Manager Alex
Beyond the quality spirits, the vibey garage-turned-tasting room, and McClintock’s sustainable approach, the tasting experience really comes alive thanks to Alex, who was one of the standout parts of my whirlwind birthday weekend visiting four distilleries.
Alex is knowledgeable, personable, and just genuinely fun to be around. He handled every question—yes, even my annoying spirits-nerd ones—offered a succinct but thorough tour, and made the whole visit feel like hanging out with an old friend rather than someone trying to sell a product.
Honestly? I’d come back just to spend time with Alex. That sense of community, camaraderie, and shared curiosity is exactly what a great distillery experience should feel like.
Final Thoughts
McClintock Distilling balances historical inspiration, innovative techniques, and sustainable practices. From their rye and bourbon to gin, vodka, and liqueurs, every spirit reflects a deliberate choice—every detail designed to create distinctive, hand-crafted flavor.
For those seeking craft spirits that marry tradition, creativity, and quality, McClintock is a destination—and a discovery.
This visit was hosted by the distillery. All thoughts are my own and not influenced by the experience.
Love local DC, Maryland, and Virginia whiskey? Explore the full collection of reviews and distillery visits on espopeauthor.com to discover more small-batch gems and high-proof favorites.
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