Baltimore’s Distilleries and Speakeasies

[Erik Owens]

https://baltimore.org/what-to-do/baltimores-distilleries-and-speakeasies/

Maryland was once a whiskey distilling powerhouse in the United States, surpassed only by Kentucky and Pennsylvania. During its peak in 1911—just before Prohibition—there were 44 distilleries, half of which were in Baltimore.

In 1919 Maryland coined the nickname of “The Free State” when it refused to join the rest of the nation in imposing strict alcohol restrictions during Prohibition. But after World War II, production slowed and the last Maryland-based distillery closed its doors in 1972.

Today a new generation of distillers are working hard to reclaim this tradition by producing the state’s signature rye whiskey, described as a more refined alternative to bourbon.

Learn how to experience some of the best of what Baltimore has to offer with our round up of distilleries and speakeasies. Or, start exploring with the Whiskey Rebellion Trail pass.