City Approves Food Trucks at Breweries and Distilleries

The City of Frederick moved forward on an ordinance change to allow mobile food units to operate at craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

Carly Ogden with AttaBoy Brewery shared, "We're very happy with the change and the pace with which it passed. Food trucks are a great symbiotic partner for our business. We can worry about the beer and let the food be handled by local pros. It's also pretty cool to see many young entrepreneurs getting their foot in the door. It's a great way for them to join in and add something to this great culinary city."

Monica Pearce with X Ward Distilling offered this thought, "As a representative for the Frederick Distillery Association we are extremely grateful to everyone with the City of Frederick who worked to get the food truck ordinance passed. It will not only be incredibly beneficial to the local craft beverage industry but will also keep our customers safe while they are enjoying our products."

The legislation demonstrates Frederick's continued support for the rapidly expanding craft beverage industry. The changes promote increased tourism and spending in Frederick, as well as balancing the needs of existing restaurants and related businesses.

ADI Attendees Learn 3 Reasons to Open a Distillery in Frederick

Frederick was well represented at the 2017 American Distilling Institute Craft Spirits Conference & Expo. The annual conference and trade show welcomed attendees from all over the country and supports the craft distilling industry.  The Department of Economic Development partnered with the Tourism Council of Frederick County and the Frederick County Office of Economic Development to jointly exhibit at this year's show.  The exhibit provided the opportunity to educate attendees on the 3 Reasons to Open Your Distillery in Frederick, Maryland:

1. Supportive Local Laws & Friendly Business Climate
In 2013, The City of Frederick updated City zoning codes to allow small wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the Downtown Frederick area, paving the way for these growing industries to boom locally. This means a craft distillery can open right in the heart of Downtown Frederick, nearby all of the restaurants, shops, and more. Outside of the City, the county is updating laws to grow this industry as well.

2. Craft Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries Thrive in Frederick
Frederick County is home to over 25 wineries, breweries, and distilleries, making it a destination with a reputation for sipping and sampling. In just over a year, six new distilleries and craft breweries have opened in Frederick. A local group of craft beverage entrepreneurs meet regularly, helping to support each other and jointly market. Thanks to a collaborative spirit, local economic development organizations, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and tourism all work together to support and promote this industry.

3. Strong Tourism Destination
Located less than an hour from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Frederick is the second largest city in Maryland. Visitors to Frederick County spend on average over $1 million a day. Additionally, more than 1.7 million people visit the county each year. The Tourism Council of Frederick County actively promotes and markets the craft beverage industry as a major visitor attraction, ensuring the right visitors for your business are making their way to the area.

Made in Frederick: Attaboy Beer Joins the Frederick Brewery Scene

In The City of Frederick, many local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From distilled spirits to dog treats, companies are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and do business.  

Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products. 

Brian and Carly Ogden are owners of Frederick's newest brewery, Attaboy Beer. This month, Brian Ogden, who is also the brewer, give us an inside look at their brewery.

How long has your company been in business? 
We opened to the public on 1/25/17 

What is your product/products? 
Beer! Primarily hoppy American ales and Belgian ales. 

What makes your product different? 
We will be using some unconventional yeasts and bacteria that are generally avoided in traditional breweries, yet when used right, can create a whole different range of flavors.

What do you want your customers to know about your product? 
We take our beer very seriously! Not a moment goes by that we aren't focused on making the best beer we can make. If we aren't making beer, then we are visiting other breweries and trying theirs - so many amazing beers out there today!

What does Frederick offer a company like yours?
Small breweries like us are 100% dependent on serving our beer locally, and we feel very fortunate that Frederick has welcomed us with open arms. Frederickans (Fredicktonians?!) are very proud (justifiably!) of their city and have shown a willingness to support small businesses and keep their dollars local. We strive to repay that loyalty with a quality beer at a fair price.

Visit Attaboy Beer

Address
400 Sagner Ave, Ste 400
Frederick, MD 21701

HoursWed 5-10pm
Thurs 5-10pm
Fri 5-10pm
Sat 12-10pm

Sun 12-10pm

Connect
attaboybeer.com
Facebook
Instagram

Brewing Up Business: Frederick Changes Code to Allow Breweries to Host Food Trucks, Vendors, and Events

The craft brewing industry contributes $55.7 billion to the U.S. economy and Frederick is well-positioned to attract and support this rapidly expanding industry. On August 4, 2016, The City of Frederick amended City code to allow breweries, farm breweries, and wineries to hold special events, including the ability to host events with food trucks and vendors. This newest legislation proactively addresses the changing nature of breweries and wineries, and allows them to host complementary activities for visitors such as festivals, concerts, and special events.

The legislative changes have the potential to expand and diversify the City's economy by opening up additional opportunities for this industry. Frederick continues to receive national and international recognition for its thriving brewing industry, including an accolade from Matador naming Frederick among 17 of the Worlds' Best Cities for Craft Beer (#16) and inclusion in Livability.com's listing of the 99 Best Beers in 99 Best Beer Cities (#35).

Brewery patrons frequently visit the surrounding area, leading to increased spending at local restaurants, shops, and hotels. New breweries will further bolster Frederick County's 1.7 million annual visitors and related $380.5 million in visitor spending (2014 Tourism Council of Frederick County study).

The brewery/winery legislation is the latest example of the City's proactive approach to supporting manufacturing, and specifically, the craft beverage industry. In 2014, the City adopted legislation to allow craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries to locate in Downtown Frederick. Additionally, the City of Frederick enacted a 10-year phase-out of the business personal property tax, including a 100% tax credit for manufacturers.  

For more information on starting a business in Frederick, contact the City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development.

Made in Frederick: Dragon Distillery Offers First Spirits in Frederick

Dragon Distillery became Frederick's first distillery within the City in 2016. 

In The City of Frederick, local businesses make and manufacture their own products. From popcorn and coffee to dog treats, many businesses are choosing Frederick as a place to make their products and to do business. Made in Frederick is a feature that showcases these businesses and their products. 

Made in Frederick: Dragon Distillery 
Founded in late 2014 with a grand opening in early 2016, Dragon Distillery is Frederick's first small-craft distillery in the city. Located directly across from the airport, they specialize in small batch artisan spirits, made from the finest locally-sourced ingredients in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Their belief in individuality, creativity, and innovation shines through in their product as well as their medieval-themed decor. They are members of the American Distilling Institute, Maryland Distillers Guild and the Frederick Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to production, Dragon Distillery has a tasting room. Visitors can tour and taste their products on-site. Visit their website for details. 

Dragon Distillery owner Mark Lambert shared some thoughts about Frederick and his distillery.  

Q&A With Dragon Distillery Owner, Mark Lambert

Dragon Distillery offers tours and tastings
Friday-Sunday. Visit their website for
details.

 
What are your products?
Joust Gin, Clustered Spires Vodka, Bad Bill Tutt Moonshine
 
What differentiates your products from others? 
We are Frederick City’s first craft distillery. We use locally-sourced products, and hand-craft each batch.
 
What should customers know about your products? 
We are committed to producing exceptional local spirits. We encourage customers to stop by the distillery to learn about our process, and taste our products
 
What does Frederick offer a company like yours? 
My family settled in the Frederick area in the mid 1700s. I think Frederick is an exceptional city, and a wonderful destination. The city and residents have been extremely supportive and welcoming. We really appreciate all of the support for our distillery.

If You Go

Dragon Distillery is open Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Check with Dragon Distillery directly for most recent hours of operation.

Hours
Friday: 4pm – 7pm
Saturday: noon – 6pm
Sunday: noon – 4pm
Other times by appointment

Tours are offered on the half-hour, and cost $5 per person. This includes the tour, tastings, and a souvenir shot glass.

1341 Hughes Ford Road, Suite 108
Frederick, MD 21701
www.dragondistillery.com 
Facebook | Twitter

Medieval-themed decor sets the tone in Dragon's tasting room.

The cauldron-like still, the Figgins Reciprocator, is nicknamed “Smaug.” 

Clustered Spires Vodka, named in tribute to the City of Frederick – the City of Clustered Spires, is clean and crisp. They recommend it for sipping, or as the base of your favorite cocktail.

Dragon Distillery grand opening on February 13, 2016.

News: Tenth Ward Distilling Company Announces Plans to Open New Distillery in Downtown Frederick

Press release provided courtesy of Monica Pearce, 301-608-8645

monica@tenthwarddistilling.com 

Frederick, MD (September 2015) - A pair of local spirit enthusiasts are well on their way to opening a new distillery in downtown Frederick, MD. Tenth Ward Distilling Company will focus their products mainly on whiskey but will also be producing some brandies and other barrel aged spirits. They aim to be progressive and a little offbeat by experimenting with unconventional ingredients, recipes and aging techniques.

The distillery is on schedule to open in the spring of 2016 at 508 East Church Street. In the late 19th century the area was known as Frederick’s Tenth Ward and served as the inspiration for the company’s name. As part of the industrial area of Frederick, there’s a strong tradition of hard work and grit that the owners hope to carry through their products and the distillery as they begin construction on the space.

The founders have started Frederick’s distillery network group, are members of the Maryland Distillers Guild and are excited to be one of Frederick City’s first distilleries in decades. 

“Our area is already known for its craft breweries and wineries. The growing craft distillery industry is a perfect fit for Frederick,” said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick.   

“A vibrant craft distilling industry brings skilled jobs, visitors and an enhanced focus on locally-produced products." said Kevin Atticks, Executive Director of the Maryland Distillers Guild.

Tenth Ward’s equipment is being built by Anthony Zaca out of Washington state. The 2 custom made stills will forge unique small batch spirits, including some limited edition products.

The distillery will feature a tasting room and tours and special events will be available for adventurous tasters.

Interested parties can sign up to receive email updates on the company’s website, www.tenthwarddistilling.com.

twitter.com/tenthwardco

instagram.com/tenthwardco

facebook.com/Tenth-Ward-Distilling-Company-438307099710706/timeline/?ref=ts


NOTE: City code was amended in December of 2014, which permitted small craft distilleries in the Downtown Frederick area. For more information on the legislation, read the related post, "Are small distilleries the next big thing for Frederick?"

Made in Frederick: Monocacy Brewing Company Offers Creative Takes on Craft Beer

The Monocacy Brewing Company opened in 2012 as an expansion to Brewer's Alley in Downtown Frederick, and has been brewing a variety of local craft beers for three years in its current location. The company was created when Brewer's Alley reached capacity and needed to brew more beer.

Jim Bauckman, the sales marketing director for Monocacy Brewing Company, said that the goal of the company is to create a great local beer made for a diverse group of people.

           

“We strive to represent really creative takes on the growing varieties of craft beer,” said Bauckman.

The brewery is located just outside of Downtown Frederick, and customers can buy and sample beer in their tasting room and tour the facility. Thanks to a recent change in the laws, customers can also buy beer by the pint on site.

Bauckman says that Monocacy's beer is made from locally grown and malted grain. “We are uncompromising when it comes to the quality of our products, from the tap to your refrigerator,” he added.

           

According to Bauckman, Frederick is a great location for Monocacy because of how many people in the surrounding area know about the city.

           

“Everyone knows where Frederick is and the city is becoming a great attraction,” said Bauckman. “Frederick has a lot to offer any business.”      

Monocacy Brewing plans to expand its market base while still having a positive impact on the local community.  Bauckman said that Monocacy has hosted events for Frederick nonprofit organizations.         

“We do our best to give back to the community,” said Bauckman. 

If You Go
Monocacy Brewing Company's tasting room is open to the public for sampling, full pours of draft beer, and growler fills. Tours are offered on weekends as well. For more information and hours, visit Monocacy Brewing Company's website. 

Jim Bauckman, Sales & Marketing Director, and Tom Flores, Brewmaster. 

This post was written by Hood College intern, Nick Masucci. 

McClintock Distillery to Call Downtown Frederick Home

A new business is in the process of calling Downtown Frederick and Carroll Creek Park home. McClintock Distilling Company announced plans to renovate 35 South Carroll Street and open in the fall. They will focus on small batch, limited release products that use unconventional ingredients. 

McClintock Distilling on Instagram

A recent press release shared by the company states they will launch with a craft gin using Appalachian-inspired botanicals as well as a sustainably sourced white whiskey. 

Frederick history is tied to this new business as well. The story of a local figure and innovator in the 1800's, McClintock Young, is a source of inspiration for the company. According to their website, "McClintock Young's incredible story will be integral to the products and experiences of the distillery." 

Their website and Instagram account show current work being done on the interior of the building, including great time-lapse videos of the improvements to the space.

City code was amended in December of 2014, which permitted small craft distilleries in the Downtown Frederick area. McClintock Distilling Company is just one distillery expected to open as a result of the updated legislation. For more information on the legislation, read the related post, "Are small distilleries the next big thing for Frederick?"

"We've had inquiries from other distilleries as well, and are very excited to follow the progress of the craft distillery industry in Frederick," said Economic Development Manager Bobby Baumler. 

For more information visit www.mcclintockdistilling.com.