IVY CITY: One Eight Rock Creek Rye; First Rye Whiskey Made Grain to Glass in DC Since Prohibition

One Eight Distilling is excited to introduce Rock Creek Rye Whiskey at its release party on Saturday, November 5. Made up of locally grown rye, malted rye and corn, Rock Creek Rye has the honor of being the first rye distilled from grain to glass and bottled in the District since Prohibition. As the spirit harkens back to the old days in DC, the grand release party will have an overarching “Made in DC” theme – including food and vendors from the #MadeInDC network.

"Rock Creek Rye Whiskey is unique because of the terroir of its locally harvested MD and VA rye. Our high malted rye mash bill adds additional richness, complexity and depth,” said co-founder and head distiller Alex Laufer.

Rock Creek Rye uses rye from Fairview Cattle and Grain, malted rye from Riverbend Malt House and corn from Land’s End Farm. One Eight has often believed in doing things the hard way, and as such, the distillers source locally, mill on site, and bottle the spirit all at the distillery.

Photo: NBCWashington

Distilled in small batches on a copper pot still and matured in the highest quality American oak barrels, Rock Creek Rye Whiskey is bottled at 94 proof, making it ideal for enjoying neat or in a favorite cocktail.

"Rock Creek Rye Whiskey is the culmination of our passion for combining innovation and tradition to create exceptional spirits,” said co-owner Sandy Wood. “With none of the grassy notes of a young rye, it’s a full-bodied whiskey with the spicy characteristics of rye balanced with a little sweetness and rich malted flavors. We’re proud and excited to release the first whiskey distilled and bottled in DC since Prohibition.”

On the day of the release, the distillery will host tours and provide samples of spirits and small bites chosen to compliment the whiskey. Guests can enjoy extended tasting hours from 1pm-8pm. The first 10 customers to purchase Rock Creek Rye will receive a One Eight Distilling gift bag with their purchase.

The Whiskey’s namesake, Rock Creek Park, is a DC landmark that used to be home to mills with small distilleries. These whiskeys and ciders made with locally grown rye, wheat, corn, and apples disappeared with Prohibition. Now many decades later, One Eight Distilling paves the way with their unique version of rye whiskey.


The new whiskey pays tribute to the area with a leaf representing the tulip poplar tree, commonly found in Rock Creek Park. One Eight Distilling commissioned the bottle artwork to Dando Projects.

For more information about One Eight Distilling, visit the website. 

 1135 Okie Street NE | Washington, DC 20002