It’s a watershed moment in the history of American Gin.

Becky and Scott harris founded Catoctin Creek Distillery in 2009 in the back-woods of Purcellville, Virginia. Scott worked in software and Becky was a chemical engineer. It was Becky’s passion for the fermentation and distillation process that brought this couple out of corporate American and into your liquor cabinet. From their little distillery by the creek they produce a range of ten spirits, including Rye Whiskies, Brandy, Gin, and a handful of other drams.

Catoctin Creek Watershed Gin is named after the Chesapeake Bay watershed region where they are based. The Gin itself is a pure rye grain spirit, but the botanicals are kept as a trade secret. The juniper is there as you expect, and so is the classic spice of anise and cinnamon. But the texture is rich and floral as well, with what hints at lavender or elderflower. All we know for certain is that this organic Gin took the gold medal in Chicago last year and got a rating of 92 points “exceptional” from the Beverage Tasting Institute, and we couldn’t agree more.