
Catoctin Creek Distillery
Woman-owned Virginia distillery crafting award-winning 100% rye whiskey, gin, and brandy with tours & unique bottling experiences.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, workshops often scheduled

Catoctin Creek Distillery
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, workshops often scheduled

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Woman-owned Virginia distillery crafting award-winning 100% rye whiskey, gin, and brandy with tours & unique bottling experiences.
"Highly recommend visiting, taking a tour and tasting their fabulous whisky! We will come back!"

🎯 Book Bottling Workshops Early
These unique events sell out fast! Check their website and book well in advance for a memorable experience.
🥃 Don't Miss the Hot Honey Rye
A crowd favorite! This infused rye offers a sophisticated, slightly sweet, and spicy kick.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Signature Rye Whiskey Tasting
Tasting Room
Sample their award-winning 100% rye whiskies, experiencing the distinct flavors of Virginia.

Distillery Tour
Distillery Floor
Learn the grain-to-glass process from a woman-owned distillery, from copper pot stills to bottling.

Whiskey Bottling Workshop
Production Area
Participate in a hands-on workshop to bottle and personalize your own whiskey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour & Tasting
Embrace the Rye Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Bottling Workshops Early
These unique events sell out fast! Check their website and book well in advance for a memorable experience.
🥃 Don't Miss the Hot Honey Rye
A crowd favorite! This infused rye offers a sophisticated, slightly sweet, and spicy kick.
🚗 Plan for a Day Trip
Combine your visit with lunch at a local Purcellville establishment for a perfect day out.
📝 Website is Your Best Friend
Easy to navigate and book tours/workshops. They also send helpful reminders.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Bottling Workshops Early
These unique events sell out fast! Check their website and book well in advance for a memorable experience.
🥃 Don't Miss the Hot Honey Rye
A crowd favorite! This infused rye offers a sophisticated, slightly sweet, and spicy kick.
🚗 Plan for a Day Trip
Combine your visit with lunch at a local Purcellville establishment for a perfect day out.
📝 Website is Your Best Friend
Easy to navigate and book tours/workshops. They also send helpful reminders.
🍸 Try a Craft Cocktail
Beyond tastings, enjoy expertly prepared cocktails featuring their spirits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Catoctin Creek Distillery for its exceptional 100% rye whiskies and the warm, educational experience. The staff are frequently highlighted for their knowledge and friendliness, making tours and tastings memorable. While the distillery is small, its cozy atmosphere and unique offerings like bottling workshops are major draws, though some may find it busy on weekends.
"We started to have interest in American whisky so we searched the internet and found Catoctin Creek distillery
Their website is very user friendly, easy to navigate and we booked the free tour.
The staff confirmed the appointment immediately and also emailed reminder if the date.
The distillery is small, very cozy atmosphere at the main room.
We were given the tour by Santiago who is very nice, very knowledgeable and attentive when serving us the flights, the price here is super reasonable, $12.50 for the signature flight including 3 different whisky and you can substitute as well
We also learned that they have workshop once in a while (just check their website for the dates) where you can bottle the whisky and personalize with your name on it.
We enjoyed so much that we ended up purchasing their BEYOND BOURBON t-shirts and a few bottles to take home, we all particularly love the Hot Honey Rye whisky!
Highly recommend to visit, take a tour and taste their fabulous whisky!
We will come back to participate in the workshop!!!"
Queen Cee
"I went to the bottling workshop here and it was brilliant! They started with a tour and a whisky history lesson that was well worth the time. Then we bottled up a barrel of whisky (about a dozen of us) working on the production line. I had a blast and recommend that everyone who likes whisky give this place a visit. The staff are so friendly and knowledgeable."
Daniel Berkland
"This is the third time I have brought a small group of friends to Catoctin Distillery's monthly bottling event which is fun, interesting, group-centric/inclusive, educational, and unique.
We then find a local establishment to enjoy lunch, which rounds out a nemorable day trip to Purcellville."
NaBinNC NaBinNC
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Catoctin Creek Distillery is located in Purcellville, Virginia. It's best accessed by car, offering a scenic drive through Loudoun County. Many visitors make it a day trip from the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Parking is generally available on-site.
Public transportation options directly to the distillery are limited. It's primarily a destination for those with personal vehicles or who arrange private transport. Consider ride-sharing services if you plan to indulge in tastings.
If you're coming from Leesburg, the distillery is a short and pleasant drive west on Route 7, then north on Route 9. It's a convenient stop for those exploring the Loudoun County wine and spirits trail.
Yes, the distillery is part of the Loudoun County 'Wine and Spirit Trail,' with numerous wineries and other breweries nearby. It's also close to historic towns like Purcellville and Leesburg, offering a full day of exploration.
Some local tour operators may include Catoctin Creek Distillery as part of their Virginia spirits or wine trail tours. It's worth checking with local tour companies for packaged experiences.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking tours and tastings in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend visits and special events like bottling workshops. Their website makes it easy to book and they send confirmation and reminder emails.
Tastings are very reasonably priced. A signature flight, typically including three different whiskies, costs around $12.50 and you can often substitute spirits.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on tour times, tasting room hours, and event schedules.
Absolutely! You can purchase bottles of their various spirits, including their popular Hot Honey Rye, directly from the distillery's tasting room to take home.
Yes, as with all distilleries, you must be of legal drinking age (21 years or older) to participate in tastings and purchase alcohol. Valid ID will be required.
🎫 🥃 Onsite Experience
The distillery has a small, cozy atmosphere in its main tasting room. Visitors often describe the staff as friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, contributing to a warm and welcoming experience.
They are most famous for their 100% rye whiskies, including Roundstone Rye and Rabble Rouser Rye. They also produce gin, such as Watershed Gin, and other specialty spirits.
This philosophy means they focus on the entire production process, from sourcing local grains to the final bottling. It highlights their commitment to quality and local ingredients.
Yes, the tasting flights allow you to sample a variety of their whiskies. This is a great way to discover the nuances of their rye expressions and find your favorite.
Catoctin Creek hosts unique monthly bottling events where visitors can participate in the bottling line and personalize their own bottle of whiskey. These are highly recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The distillery primarily focuses on spirits and does not typically serve full meals. However, they may offer small snacks or partner with local food vendors for special events. It's recommended to plan for lunch or dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Purcellville and the surrounding Loudoun County area offer a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Many visitors enjoy lunch in Purcellville after their distillery visit.
Outside food is generally not permitted in the tasting room or during tours. It's best to enjoy your meals at local eateries before or after your visit.
Occasionally, the distillery hosts special events that might include food pairings, such as chocolate and whiskey events. Keep an eye on their website or social media for announcements.
Besides tasting flights, you can order expertly prepared craft cocktails featuring their spirits, like a Lemon Berry Smash or a smoked Old Fashioned.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! Capture the rustic charm of the distillery, the beautiful copper stills, and your tasting experience.
The copper pot still, the barrels in the aging area, the tasting room with its cozy ambiance, and the exterior of the historic building all make for great photo opportunities.
While generally permitted, always be mindful of other visitors and staff. Avoid intrusive photography during tours or private events. Ask permission before photographing staff members.
Yes, you can capture the unique experience of bottling your own whiskey. It's a fun and memorable part of the workshop to document.
Popular hashtags include #CatoctinCreekDistillery, #RyeWhiskey, #VirginiaWhiskey, #DistilleryTour, #CraftSpirits, and #LoudounCounty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a weekday afternoon when it might be less crowded. You can enjoy the atmosphere, and perhaps one adult can partake in a tasting while the other supervises children. The bottling workshops are generally geared towards adults, but the overall experience of seeing a working distillery can be fascinating for curious minds. Plan for lunch at a family-friendly spot in Purcellville afterward.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for a tour without a tasting can also be a budget-friendly option if you're not looking to drink. The free tours provide a wealth of information about the distilling process and the history of Virginia rye. Purchasing a bottle directly from the distillery can also be more economical than buying through a retailer, especially if you find a special release.
💑 Couples
Consider booking a bottling workshop together for a unique and interactive date activity. It's a fun way to create a shared memory and take home a personalized bottle of whiskey. Combine your visit with a scenic drive through Loudoun County and a nice dinner in Purcellville for a complete romantic day trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Virginia Rye
Visitors can experience this commitment firsthand through their tours and tastings. The distillery utilizes a copper pot still, a traditional method that contributes to the rich and nuanced character of their spirits. Whether you try their Roundstone Rye, Rabble Rouser Rye, or specialty infusions like the Hot Honey Rye, you're tasting a piece of Virginia's distilling heritage. The staff are passionate about sharing this story, making each tasting an educational and enjoyable journey.
For those looking for an even deeper dive, Catoctin Creek offers unique whiskey bottling workshops. This hands-on experience allows you to step onto the production floor, participate in the bottling process, and even personalize your own bottle. It’s a truly memorable way to connect with the craft and take home a unique souvenir.
A Woman-Owned Success Story
Their success is a testament to their dedication to quality and innovation. They've built a strong reputation for producing some of the finest rye whiskies in the country, earning numerous awards and accolades. The passion of the owners and their team is evident in every aspect of the visitor experience, from the informative tours to the warm hospitality in the tasting room.
This commitment to excellence and community has made Catoctin Creek a beloved destination for whiskey enthusiasts and a significant contributor to Virginia's growing craft beverage scene. Their story is an inspiring example of entrepreneurship and dedication in the spirits industry.
Beyond the Bottle: Events and Experiences
Beyond bottling, they occasionally host special events like 'Sweet & Savory Snacks and Sips' evenings, featuring expertly paired artisan chocolates and savory bites with their standout spirits. These events offer a sophisticated way to explore the versatility of their whiskies and gins.
Visitors also appreciate the distillery's role in the local community and its participation in events. Whether it's a tasting hosted by a brand ambassador at another venue or a local festival, Catoctin Creek actively engages with its patrons, fostering a strong sense of community around their craft.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit