Catoctin (Ka-tock-tin) Creek is the first legal distillery in Loudoun County Virginia since before Prohibition. It was founded by Becky and Scott Harris in 2009. I had the opportunity to sample this brand back in November, and I must admit that I’m not typically a fan of sweet whiskies or drinks. I found the samples from this brand to be a bit too sweet for my personal taste. However, there was one whiskey that stood out to me, the Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye. In my opinion, this whiskey would be fantastic when used in a cocktail. Let’s dive into it.

Nose: honey and clovers

Palate: chili peppers and honey

Finish: sweet and spicy

ABV: 40%

Cost: $50-$60

Let me clear, when consumed on its own, I find this whiskey to be too sweet for my personal taste. However, I believe its true potential lies in being used in a Hot Toddy, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or any cocktail. The sweetness derived from the honey can effectively replace the need for simple syrups, while the spices from the chili peppers can significantly enhance the flavors of the cocktail. It’s worth noting that a small amount of this whiskey can go a long way. With that said, this is not a safe blind buy. It’s a product I would highly suggest you sample first.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.