Putting Prohibition in the Past

Catoctin Creek Distillery Manufactures Legislative Win

by Johnisha Levi. Photo by Warren Rojas

Catoctin Creek Distilling Company

Catoctin Creek Distilling Company may be a relative newcomer to the Commonwealth’s craft sprits industry, but its founders Scott and Becky Harris are busily blazing trails. It is the first legal distillery to open its doors in post-Prohibition Loudoun County, as well as the state’s first USDA-certified organic distillery and its first Star-K, kosher-certified spirit maker.

A mere 18 months after beginning full-scale production, Catoctin Creek is now also the first micro-distillery in Northern Virginia authorized to sell its spirits on-site.

Although boutique wineries and craft brewers can typically sell directly to consumers, local distilleries are often barred from doing the same. This legal barrier has an obvious negative impact on the bottom line of small start-ups like Catoctin Creek.

Consequently, an undeterred Scott Harris donned his lobbyist hat in order to legalize the direct sale of spirits by his homegrown distillery. He reached out to Virginia State Senator Jill Holtzman Vogel, who was immediately receptive and agreed to sponsor a legislative fix. Harris set to work penning a draft bill last summer. In January, when the bill came up for consideration, he began making the drive to Richmond a couple of days a week to speak before the presiding committees. Gov. Bob McDonnell signed the bill into law on March 26, 2011, clearing the way for Catoctin Creek to launch their retail “store”—which opened to the public on July 1—and opening the door for future distilleries to (theoretically) do the same.

Just don’t expect to partake of Catoctin’s award-winning Mosby’s Spirit or Roundstone Rye during your next distillery tour. Although the store is officially open for business, Catoctin Creek does not have an authorized tasting room.  And while he does not rule out future lobbying campaigns, he and his wife and business partner, Becky, look forward to focusing their present efforts on turning out artisanal spirits of the highest quality.

Catoctin Creek Distilling Company: 37251 E. Richardson Lane, Purcellville; 540-751-8404; www.catoctincreekdistilling.com. To learn more about Catoctin Creek’s philosophy, product line and future projects—and to take a peek inside the distillery and store—visit: www.northernvirginiamag.com/ccdc.

(August 2011)