Catoctin Creek Distilling Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Distilled spirits |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Scott Harris, Rebecca Harris |
| Headquarters | Purcellville , United States |
Area served | United States, Europe, Mexico, Singapore |
Key people | Scott Harris, Rebecca Harris |
| Products | Rye whiskey, brandy, gin |
| Parent | Independent (since 2023) |
| Website | catoctincreek |
The Catoctin Creek Distilling Company ( ), commonly known as Catoctin Creek, holds the distinction of being the inaugural lawful distillery established in Loudoun County, Virginia since the era of prohibition. This certified organic and kosher microdistillery, located in Purcellville, Virginia, crafts spirits such as brandy, rye whiskey, and gin utilizing locally sourced fruit, organic grains, and Virginia-produced wine.
History
Launched in 2009 by entrepreneurs Scott and Rebecca Harris with the assistance of an SBA 7(a) loan, the distillery initially employed custom-built Kothe hybrid pot-column stills with capacities of 400 and 1200 liters. Legislative changes in 2011, specifically Virginia Senate Bill 1249, permitted the facility to sell spirits directly to consumers on-site, significantly boosting its retail operations; this built upon the 2010 House Bill 952 which allowed tastings at the distillery premises.
In 2012, Catoctin Creek purchased and restored the historic Case Building from 1921 in Purcellville to establish its main distillery location. Renovation efforts included substantial structural improvements alongside the installation of a 41kWh solar power system, underscoring a dedication to environmentally responsible practices.
Constellation Brands became a minority stakeholder in 2017 to facilitate expansion of production capabilities and diversification of the product lineup. Despite this investment, founders Scott and Rebecca Harris maintained majority control and management authority. By 2021, production capacity had tripled through the acquisition of new equipment such as a mash cooker, fermentation tanks, and a 2000-liter Specific Engineering hybrid pot-column still.
In 2023, Catoctin Creek regained full independent ownership by buying back shares from Constellation Brands, continuing under the leadership of the Harris team.
COVID-19 pandemic
Amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Catoctin Creek adapted its operations to produce sanitizing alcohol provided free of charge to more than 100 households, six police departments, two emergency service organizations, two hospitals, a senior center, and the FAA office in Leesburg, Virginia. Rather than reducing workforce numbers, management reassigned regional sales staff to support production efforts and collaborated with local authorities to distribute sanitizer supplies where needed.
By late March, bulk quantities of hand sanitizer were made available for purchase by first responders, followed by the introduction of FDA-approved 6 oz. sanitizer bottles for public sale in early April; these quickly sold out within three weeks. Production halted in April due to shortages of raw materials. Altogether, over 2,050 gallons of sanitizer were produced for community and frontline use. Additionally, donations exceeding $12,000 were made to local charities including hospitality relief funds and food banks throughout Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Virginia. The Virginia Senate formally recognized the distillery’s contributions during the pandemic.
Catoctin Creek continues to offer its acclaimed rye whiskey, gin, and brandy through an online store featuring curbside pickup and delivery services.
Spirits produced
Awards
- Roundstone Rye
- Double Gold medal for Cask Proof at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017
- Gold awards from American Whiskey Masters (2016) and Wizards of Whisky Awards (2015–2016)
- Gold medal for 92 Proof at the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition (2015)
- Numerous accolades from San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013–2015), American Distilling Institute (2011–2013), Good Food Awards (2013), The Fifty Best (2012–2014), Beverage Testing Institute (2011), and New York International Spirits Competition (2010)
- Mosby's Spirit
- Bronze and silver medals awarded by American Distilling Institute (2010–2011), Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2011), Beverage Testing Institute (2011), and New York International Spirits Competition (2010)
- Watershed Gin
- Gold medal received from Beverage Testing Institute (2011)
- Silver medal at New York International Spirits Competition (2011)
- Additional honors include:
- Regional Food and Beverage Producer - RAMMY Awards 2015
- Virginia's Finest designation by Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Small Business of the Year awarded by Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce (2012)
- Entrepreneur of the Year and Rural Business of the Year honors from Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce (2011)
- Made in the South award from Garden and Gun magazine in 2010
Distribution
Catoctin Creek's offerings reach customers in various states throughout the United States, such as Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Texas, and Virginia. Additionally, the company maintains an international footprint with markets in Europe, Mexico, and Singapore, contributing to its worldwide business expansion.