IVY CITY: One Eight Distilling to Release DC's First Bourbon - September 16

One Eight Distilling announces the September 16 release of its Rock Creek Bourbon Whiskey, ($50, 95% Proof or 47.5% ABV) the first bourbon to be distilled, aged and bottled in the District of Columbia since Prohibition —from grain to glass.

Rock Creek Bourbon boasts a four-grain mash bill comprised of locally sourced corn (58%) and wheat (7%) from Land’s End Farm on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, rye (17%) from Fairview Cattle & Grain in Culpeper, Va., and malted rye (13%) and malted barley (5%) from River Bend Malt House in Asheville, NC. This regionally sourced straight bourbon showcases a true mid-Atlantic flavor profile, with notes of banana bread and marzipan on the nose, followed by hints of cinnamon and toasted oak. The palate opens with warming spices of rye, cloves and a touch of Ancho chile, concluding with a finish of crème brûlée and fig.

While bourbon has many characteristics, its defining composition of at least 51% corn, combined with aging in charred new American oak barrels, brings out a core sweetness that complements foods with a caramelized component. Aged for at least two years, this bourbon is a nice accompaniment to unctuous proteins such as pork belly, barbeque ribs, lamb shoulder and grilled duck, while roasted root vegetables bring out the pastoral, molasses notes from the grains. The higher proof point balances indulgent flavors like dark chocolate and sticky toffee and cuts pleasantly against creamy cheeses.

Whiskey lovers will have the opportunity to taste Rock Creek Bourbon at a release party at One Eight Distilling on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with cocktail service and tastings into the evening concluding at 10:00 p.m. A fall fête in keeping with the bourbon’s unique mash bill, guests can experience a myriad of on-theme treats including corn doughnuts from Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, elotes from Tortilladora, sweet corn gelato by Dolcezza, a special old fashioned shrub by Shrub District, live entertainment and an integrated tasting tour through the distillery. A bottle engraver, as well as a vintage glassware pop-up by Liquorary will also be on-site. This event is free and open to the public, no tickets required.

On Friday, September 15th from 7pm-10pm, a limited amount of tickets are available for an intimate distiller’s dinner at One Eight Distilling with Chef Matt Baker of the forthcoming restaurant, Gravitas. Tickets, available for $137.50, are available here.

In addition to One Eight Distilling’s Tasting Room, spirits fans can expect to find the new release at a variety of local bars, restaurants and retailers — detailed on the “Where to Buy” page of their website.

Named for Article One Section Eight of the U.S. Constitution, One Eight Distilling is dedicated to showcasing regional flavors and maintaining transparency from grain to glass, focusing on creativity, innovation, and consumer education. From sourcing grains, handcrafting every step of the process and staying true to the region, authenticity is a core value of the brand.

“We take a lot of pride in the integrity of our distilling process,” said Co-Founder and CEO Sandy Wood. “Our commitment to high-quality, local ingredients far outweighs the lower-cost alternatives of sourcing from large farms in the Midwest or Canada. Adding a locally distilled Bourbon to our lineup of whiskies is a big moment for the District.”

The partnership between Wood and Co-Founder Alex Laufer was years in the making, beginning with their time as roommates at Vassar College. After pursuing careers in law and biotech, respectively, the two relocated to D.C. and several years later partnered to address what they saw as a void in the local spirits market.

Rock Creek Bourbon Whiskey will join a lineup of award-winning spirits, including Rock Creek White Whiskey (Best of Category and Silver Medal in the American Distilling Institute Judging of Craft Spirits) and Ivy City Gin, Rock Creek Rye Whiskey and District Made Vodka (which won a Silver Medal and Bronze Medals, respectively, in the same competition). One Eight’s 'Untitled' series of gins and whiskeys have also been honored with Double Gold, Gold and Silver medals in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.