I have loved whiskey for my entire adult life, but I never learned about the history of whiskey in Maryland—especially rye whiskey—until I moved to Frederick. My first visit to McClintock Distilling in Frederick, MD was the place that gave me a crash course in Maryland rye whiskey production.
If you’re visiting Frederick or planning a distillery road trip in Maryland, you need to include McClintock Distilling on your itinerary.
McClintock Distilling in Frederick, MD
A Landmark Frederick Venue Distilling Maryland Spirits
McClintock Distilling is a prominent venue located on Carroll Creek Park in the heart of Frederick. It’s hard to miss while strolling along the creek.
In fact, it’s one of the landmarks I think about when I picture downtown Frederick.
Nicole and I consider a visit to McClintocks one of the must-do activities in Frederick, so you can experience the rich tradition of Maryland rye whiskey production.
The venue is also impressive and full of character, embodying much of what Frederick represents as a town.
McClintock Distilling Basics
McClintock Distilling is located in a historic building right where S Carroll St meets Carroll Creek Park.
You can reach it directly from the park or from S Carroll Street. A small parking lot is available in front for visitors.
- Address: 35 S Carroll St, Frederick, MD 21701
- Web: mcclintockdistilling.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/McClintockDistilling
- Phone: +1.301.825.5921
- Tours and Tasting Reservations: Link
- Buy Online: Link
The History of McClintock Distilling
During our last visit, long time employee Melissa not only gave us an extra special tour and tasting, but she also told us the fascinating history of McClintock.
The distillery was founded by two, Frederick-area young men (Braedan Bumpers and Tyler Hegamyer) who had experimented with brewing early in life. The eventually became enamoured with distilling spirits.
With the help of their family and the evolution of distilling laws in Maryland, they finally decided to start a business. The current McClintock Distillery and tasting room property was acquired and opened for business in December 2016.
Origins of the Name 'McClintock'
The name ‘McClintock’ has an interesting origin.
In years past, Tyler’s family was the steward of an old stone cabin near Gambrills State Park.
One day, while exploring the cabin, Tyler and Braedan discovered several old signed patents for inventions, including a velocipede bicycle, another invention long associated with Frederick, Maryland.
The creator of these inventions was a forgotten figure in Frederick’s history: McClintock Young, Jr., now the namesake of this downtown Frederick distillery.
A Guide to Visiting McClintock Distillery
The best way to experience McClintocks is to book a tour and tasting. You can easily do this from their website.
Tours are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays (though you can walk in and do a tasting virtually any day they are open).
Tours will give you a comprehensive overview of their facility, their distilling operation, the history, ending with a generous tasting of virtually all their spirits.
I believe these are designed to last 90 minutes, but honestly everytime we’ve visited, the host has been more than happy to spend as long as we wanted to hang out.
What to Expect on a Tour and Tasting
We recently had the pleasure of attending a tour led by the knowledgeable and dedicated long-time employee, Melissa.
As avid fans of Frederick culture, we were captivated by her depth of insight into McClintock—covering everything from its rich history and the vision of its owners to the intricate details of its operations.
Melissa’s passion shone through as she expertly guided us through an impressive tasting of each spirit, and we eagerly sampled them all.
This experience not only deepened our appreciation for McClintock but also showcased the artistry behind each meticulously crafted spirit.
McClintock Distilling Operations and Barrel Room
Getting a tour of the McClintock Distillery operations will be a thrill to whiskey, gin, and vodka lovers. But its a fun thing to do in Frederick for virtually anyone.
McClintock epitomizes the hand-crafted nature of producing spirits of high quality. They are also Maryland’s first certified organic distillery, using ingredient like rye from local farmers.
The distilling equipment from Germany and the process overview are super interesting. Additionally, you can see and touch the different types of barrels that significantly influence the flavor of various spirits.
McClintock Bootjack Rye, Matchstick Bourbon Whiskeys
The McClintock Distillery produces a wide range of spirits, including whiskey, gin, vodka, and a variety of flavored spirits.
While I may be biased (I love whiskey), two of their products standout above the rest.
True to Maryland’s history, the Bootjack Rye Whiskey stands out for its flavor, smoothness, and character. I enjoy pouring this rye over ice in a glass.
When I think of bourbon, I usually think of Kentucky and Tennessee. However, McClintock has made a name for itself in this category as well with the Matchstick Bourbon. I love it served straight over ice, but it also works great in a cocktail.
(Note: One of McClintock Young’s many inventions was the matchstick.)
McClintock Gin and Other Spirits
One of the many amazing things Nicole has brought to my life is a taste for gin, and McClintock has several good ones.
In fact, they rival their whiskey in terms of taste and originality. If you are a gin fan, you’ll enjoy sampling the three signature McClintock gins and deciphering which botanicals you taste in each.
Their most versitale is the Forager Gin, produced with 21 botanicals and to me much less piney than your average English gin.
The Garner’s Gin is similar, but aged in Madeira Wine Casks giving it more of wine body and slightly darker color.
However my favorite McClintock gin is their signature McClintock’s Reserve Gin. Aged in Cognac barrels, to me its a fuller, bolder, but still elegant gin that again I like just sipping over ice.
The Can't-Miss McClintock's Back Bar
We highly recommend a visit to McClintock Distilling for a tour of their operations and a tasting in their beautiful tasting room. It’s a fascinating and enjoyable experience, even if you’re not a big fan of spirits.
However, Nicole and I consider another portion of the McClintock venue a must-visit: the somewhat hidden McClintock’s Back Bar.
This sleek, speak-easy-style cocktail bar is behind the main distillery building and serves beautiful and delicious craft cocktails made with McClintock spirits.
Nicole and I used to consider this our ‘secret spot’ in Frederick. Unfortunately, it has been discovered. 🙁
But it’s still our number 1 favorite place to get a cocktail in Frederick.
What Else You Need to Know About McClintock Distilling
Few more things to note about McClintock’s:
- They offer a Distilling 101 Class, which you can also book on their website. (on our list of things to do).
- McClintock is now one of Frederick’s premier wedding and event venues.
