Frederick Distillery Trail Guide
Explore 8+ craft distilleries producing organic whiskey, gin, rum, vodka, and more — from downtown cocktail bars to scenic farm distilleries.
Plan your route: downtown distilleries are walkable, rural stops require a designated driver.
Frederick County features a growing cluster of craft distilleries emphasizing local grains, organic production, and diverse experiences. The trail spans walkable downtown tasting rooms and scenic rural farm distilleries where you can witness grain-to-glass production firsthand. Many distilleries source local ingredients and produce small-batch artisan spirits, from award-winning organic whiskeys to innovative flavored liqueurs and canned cocktails.
About the Frederick Distillery Trail
Grain-to-Glass
Many distilleries produce spirits from locally-sourced grains, milled on-site.
Award-Winning
Frederick distilleries have earned recognition for quality and innovation.
Craft Cocktails
From traditional pours to innovative canned cocktails and mixed drinks.
Unique Experiences
Axe throwing, production tours, and relaxed rural farm settings.
Downtown Frederick
Walkable cluster of distilleries in the heart of historic downtown — perfect for a tasting crawl on foot.
McClintock Distilling Company
DowntownTenth Ward Distilling Company
DowntownTrue Standard Distilling
DowntownRural & Farm Distilleries
Scenic distilleries in rural settings offering farm experiences, mountain views, and a slower pace.
Dragon Distillery
RuralRosie Cheeks Distillery
RuralSpringfield Manor Winery, Brewery & Distillery
RuralPuerto Rico Distillery
RuralFordham Lee Distillery
RuralPlanning Your Distillery Trail Day
Downtown Crawl
- › Start at McClintock Distilling (free tours)
- › Cocktails at Tenth Ward Distilling
- › Visit True Standard (reservations)
- › Total time: 3–4 hours
- › Fully walkable — no driving needed
Urban + Rural Mix
- › Morning: Dragon Distillery (axe throwing)
- › Afternoon: Downtown crawl
- › Evening: Dinner in downtown Frederick
- › Total time: Full day
- › Short drive between stops
Mountain Adventure
- › Morning: Hike Catoctin Mountain Park
- › Lunch: Springfield Manor (wine/beer/spirits)
- › Afternoon: Rosie Cheeks Farm Distillery
- › Total time: Full day
- › Scenic mountain drive north
Tips for a Great Trail Day
- 🚗 Designated Driver Spirits have higher ABV than wine or beer — always plan safe transportation.
- 📞 Call Ahead Many distilleries require reservations, especially for tours and private events.
- 🍽️ Eat First Eat before and between tastings. Many downtown stops have food nearby.
- 🛒 Buy a Bottle Support local producers by taking a bottle home to enjoy later.
- 🍸 Cocktail Classes Some distilleries offer mixing classes — a great activity for groups.
- 🔢 Pace Yourself Plan 2–3 distilleries maximum per day for a responsible, enjoyable experience.
Spirits You'll Find
Whiskey
Grain-to-glass bourbons and innovative expressions using local organic grains.
Gin
Classic London dry gins and botanical-infused varieties, perfect for cocktails.
Vodka
Clean, smooth vodkas including organic options — ideal for mixing or sipping neat.
Rum
Puerto Rican-style rum and other cane spirits with unique local variations.
Liqueurs
Flavored spirits like ginger liqueurs and creative infusions for adventurous palates.
Canned Cocktails
Ready-to-drink cocktails featuring distillery recipes and quality spirits.
Related Experiences
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a self-guided distillery trail map? ▾
Downtown distilleries — McClintock, Tenth Ward, and True Standard — are all within walking distance of each other on Carroll and Patrick Streets, making a self-guided crawl easy. For rural stops, use Google Maps to plan a driving route north (Rosie Cheeks → Springfield Manor) or south (Dragon Distillery → Puerto Rico Distillery).
Do I need reservations at Frederick distilleries? ▾
It depends on the venue. McClintock Distilling offers walk-in tours throughout the week. True Standard and some rural stops prefer or require reservations, especially for private events. Always call ahead or check their website before visiting.
Which distillery is best for a group outing? ▾
Dragon Distillery is a standout for groups — it combines spirits tasting with axe throwing and games. Springfield Manor is ideal for a scenic day trip with wine and beer alongside spirits. Tenth Ward is the best pick for an evening cocktail bar experience with a fun, lively atmosphere.
Are there family-friendly distillery options? ▾
Rosie Cheeks Distillery operates on a working family farm and welcomes families (with 21+ tastings for adults). Springfield Manor also has family-friendly outdoor grounds. Always confirm age restrictions before bringing children to any tasting.
Explore the Full Craft Beverage Trail
Combine your distillery visits with Frederick's breweries and wineries for the ultimate craft beverage day trip.
See Craft Beverage Trail