Distillery Story
And we’re off! Old Line Spirits was one of the last stops on our most recent Whiskey Discovery Trip, but this high proof pour is the perfect way to kick off this lineup, with an ASM that is jam-packed with flavor that comes from its passionate founders. Mark and Arch met while flying for the Navy, both being members of the exclusive club of Tailhookers who land aircraft on carriers. They reconnected after leaving the military and starting separate careers, and realized they both had the shared dream of building community around whiskey. Arch says, “In naval aviation, a lot of what makes aviators successful is their ability to build relationships, solve problems, and involve people. That’s really been the core of what Mark and I do, to foster relationships and make this as much fun as it could possibly be.” They started attending distilling conferences and connected with another veteran-owned distillery from the Pacific North West that was producing award-winning American Single Malt. After training with their team, they ended up having the opportunity to acquire their operation and move it out to Baltimore, launching as Old Line Spirits in 2016. Maryland is the Old Line state, going back to George Washington’s nickname for the Maryland Regulars that saved the American army during a retreat after a disastrous campaign in Brooklyn. As Arch rightly puts it, “Is there a bolder story out there? I don’t think so.”
And this is a bold whiskey to fit. The award-winning heritage was there from the start, with this spirit being both an amazing example of the innovation behind the American Single Malt boom, while still being approachable for a bourbon drinker just looking to dip their toe into the category. Their mashbill of 100% malted barley contains 10% deep kiln malt for that rich and roasty profile, which still having the fruity vibrance of an ASM, and all the malt is balanced out by full maturation in heavily charred 53 gallon barrels for the caramel sweetness and tannin. The 4 year age statement also doesn’t tell the full story, as there is whiskey aged 7+ years in this blend. And we love the strength they chose to bottle it at, paying homage to their roots with the Navy Strength 114 proof (after all, you have to make sure your gunpowder will still light if you spill a dram on it!). Old Line Spirits is an incredible continuation of the storied history of the Maryland distilling tradition, a wonderful story of friendship turned into adventure. If you’re looking for more excitement, their Quarterdeck Whiskey Club is a vibrant community (their team was gracious enough to show us around on the day of one of their bottle launch days), and the Ready Room bar is an awesome hangout for locals. Cheers to the good Old Line
