History

Old Line Spirits was founded by two Navy aviators, Mark McLaughlin and Arch Watkins, driven by a shared love of whiskey and adventure. Their mantra is Bold Stories, Bold Spirits, and they began as pioneers in American single malt through a journey from Golden Distilling on Samish Island to Baltimore, where, together with Middle West Spirits, they developed production in Ohio in the early days. Shortly thereafter, they moved the final production back to Baltimore and opened in Highlandtown in 2017, where they expanded with Maryland's first full-service distillery bar, The Ready Room, and later a new courtyard experience. The history also describes their strong ties to Baltimore and ambitions for future expansions and events.

Production

Old Line Spirits focuses primarily on American Single Malt (ASM): - ASM defined as 100% malted grain and mashed in a single distillery, malted, distilled and aged in the USA, stored in oak barrels with a capacity under 700 liters and distilled to a maximum of 160 proof, bottled at 80 proof or higher. - The flagship American Single Malt Whisky is made from malted barley and aged in virgin American oak for about 4–6 years and bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV). - The production also features a range of finishes under the Double Oak series: Madeira Cask Finish, Sherry Cask Finish, Port Cask Finish, Cognac Cask Finish, Armagnac Cask Finish, Moscatel Cask Finish and Sauternes Cask Finish, all at 100 proof (about 50% ABV). - Other ASM variants include Navy Strength 114 (114 proof) and Bottled-In-Bond American Single Malt (100 proof). In addition there are Limited Releases such as Harvest Moon, OHANA and Stout Cask Finish, as well as various other finishes such as Madeiras, Cognacs and Armagnacs. - In addition to whisky, Old Line also produces Case 1 Aged Caribbean Rum and Case 1 Vodka, as well as Summer Blend Swimcall and other products in their portfolio. Their finishes and flavor notes appear on the product pages and descriptions of each bottle.

Products / Whisky Series

• Flagship American Single Malt Whisky (Flagship 95) – 47.5% ABV, 4–6 years in virgin American oak; notes of vanilla, cocoa and grain; suitable neat or in cocktails.
• Navy Strength American Single Malt – 114 proof (57% ABV); bold, with cocoa, brown sugar and grain notes.
• Harvest Moon – Double Oak Blend – 100 Proof (50% ABV); finishes with PX Sherry and Amburana; autumnal complexity with fruit and warm spices.
• Sherry Cask Finish American Single Malt – 100 Proof; notes of toffee, dried fruit and spice; praised by critics for its depth (No. 8 on the Fred Minnick list).
• Port Cask Finish American Single Malt – 100 Proof; dark cherries, apricot, chocolate and caramel.
• Madeira Cask Finish American Single Malt – 100 Proof; deeper chocolate and date notes, nutty notes and vanilla/spices.
• Cognac Cask Finish American Single Malt – 100 Proof; vanilla, caramel, raisin and tobacco; complex and balanced.
• Armagnac Cask Finish American Single Malt – 100 Proof; fruity sweetness with grape, apple and pear, vanilla and cherry.
• Moscatel Cask Finish American Single Malt – 100 Proof; pear, rose and dark chocolate.
• Sauternes Cask Finish American Single Malt – 100 Proof; floral fruity notes with honey and caramel.
• Bottled-In-Bond American Single Malt – 100 Proof; oak-forward character with caramel, vanilla and spices from new oak barrels.
• Maple Syrup Cask Finish American Single Malt – 100 Proof; sweet notes from a newly added Canadian maple syrup barrel, grain and caramel.
• Stout Cask Finish American Single Malt – 100 Proof; finished in a stout cask (Heavy Seas Chocolate Volcano Stout) for extra cocoa notes.
• OHANA Double Oak Blend American Single Malt – 100 Proof; limited edition (only 200 bottles); blend of Double Oak Cognac and Armagnac finishes; supports a charitable cause (profits to K9s for Warriors).
• 51 Rye Whiskey – 102 Proof; high-malt rye, made in collaboration with Monument City Brewing Co.; Baltimore rye character.
• Single Barrel American Single Malt – hand-picked barrel (e.g., No. 16-1185) from older stock; about 58.3% ABV at bottling; especially complex and suitable for autumn sipping.
• Other ASM variants and limited releases such as Madeira, Sherry, Port, Cognac, Armagnac, Moscatel and Sauternes finishes, as well as Stout editions and Moscatel finishes – all marked as Limited Release or Special Releases.

Visits / Experiences

• Distillery Tours and Tastings: Saturdays at 2:00 PM - approximately 75-minute guided tour and guided tasting of Old Line's American Single Malt production and maturation, followed by a tasting of four products.
• Distillery Bar: The Ready Room Cocktail Bar open Thursday to Saturday 1:00 PM–9:00 PM with a selection of signature cocktails and flights, crafted from spirits from the barrel and from the production.
• Facilities and experiences: Stillhouse and Barrelhouse as backdrops for events and tastings; Flight Deck Courtyard – an outdoor area behind the distillery with tables and games such as Jenga and cornhole. Private events and gatherings available.
• Practical information: Located in Highlandtown, Baltimore; free parking at the distillery; private events available; dogs on leashes and a family-friendly environment; option to pick up orders at the distillery or order online.

Philosophy

• Old Line Spirits is built on the motto Bold Stories, Bold Spirits and a belief in craft and innovation within American single malt. They describe a culture of adventure and camaraderie and strive to produce spirits of the highest quality that capture the essence of American single malt in an urban, ever-evolving Baltimore.