Friday November 10, 2023

• Maryland Rye Whiskey Symposium9:00 am - 4:00 pm

  9:00 am - 4:00 pm

  The 2023 Maryland Rye Whiskey Symposium promises an enriching experience delving deep into Maryland’s integral role in the history of rye whiskey. This event is tailored for a diverse audience, including craft distillers, distillery operators, rye whiskey enthusiasts, bourbon aficionados, and professionals in the whiskey retail and wholesale industries.

  Whet your palate with a keynote address by Clay Risen, author of “American Rye: A Guide to the Nation’s Original Spirit.” This presentation sets the tone for a day filled with knowledge-sharing, camaraderie, and exploration. The Maryland Rye Whiskey Symposium includes an impressive lineup of seminars, each curated to provide attendees with an understanding of the art and science behind crafting and enjoying world-class rye whiskey.

  This symposium offers participants a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Maryland’s rich rye whiskey legacy. Through the scheduled seminars, attendees will gain insights into the intricate production methods that have defined the spirit over the centuries and an appreciation for the quality materials contributing to rye whiskey’s unparalleled character.

  Whether you’re a seasoned craft distiller seeking to refine your techniques, a devoted rye whiskey enthusiast eager to deepen your appreciation, or a professional in the liquor industry looking to expand your expertise, the 2023 Maryland Rye Whiskey Symposium is your ultimate destination for all things rye. Join us on November 10 for an unforgettable day of learning, networking, and celebration of this iconic American spirit.

  Rye Symposium Agenda

  The lineup of presentations and panels for the 2023 Maryland Rye Symposium features a wonderful collection of topics. We’re finalizing the speakers and have a few additional breakouts to add in the coming days. Please check back as we firm up all presentation times.

• Welcome10:00 am - 10:15 am

  10:00 am - 10:15 am

  Welcome to the Rye Revival. We’re celebrating Maryland’s Whiskey Heritage and are thrilled that you’re joining us!

  Presenters

  • – Eli Breitburg-Smith, Maryland Distillers Guild & Baltimore Spirits Co.

• The Story of Maryland Whiskey, Its Rise, Its Demise, and the Significance of Its Return10:30 am - 11:00 am

  10:30 am - 11:00 am

  In this engaging talk, TW Wright, a renowned historical authority on rye whiskey and founder of Whiskey America, will take you on a captivating journey through the intriguing history of this iconic spirit. From its humble beginnings to its pivotal role in shaping the whiskey industry, Wright will unravel the rich tapestry of rye whiskey’s past, offering insights that span generations. Join us as we explore the fascinating evolution of this beloved libation and its enduring influence on the world of whiskey.

  Presenter

  • – TW Wright, Whiskey AmericaFrom Whiskey America, “whiskey writer, blogger, presenter, and most of all, whiskey enthusiast. TW has been sharing his passion for fine whiskies for over a decade. Drawing on his 30-plus years in Army Special Operations and the experiences he has had with people around the world, TW shares whiskey from an experiential and cultural approach.”

• Cocktail Culture and its Role in the Rye Revival11:10 am - 12:00 pm

  11:10 am - 12:00 pm

  Presented by Carlo DeVito, this session explores the fascinating relationship between cocktail culture and America’s “rye revival.” Discover how a passionate cadre of industry writers and mixologists resurrected classic cocktails rooted in rye, shifting the industry’s focus from bourbon to rye. Take a journey through the past two decades, highlighting the pivotal role played by these enthusiasts in revitalizing America’s original whiskey and reshaping the spirits landscape.

  Presenter

  • – Carlo DeVito, publisher, writer & winemakerFrom DeVito’s website, “Carlo DeVito is a lifelong publishing executive with more than 20 years of experience. He has written more than 15 books, publishes a highly-acclaimed wine blog, and is owner of the Hudson-Chatham Winery.”

• From Grain to Glass: The Rye Journey11:10 am - 12:00 pm

  11:10 am - 12:00 pm

  This seminar is designed to awaken your senses to the nuances of rye grain. Join our expert panel of distillers and growers as they explore the impact of rye grain on the final product. Through a captivating sensory experience, you’ll have the opportunity to taste and compare different rye whiskeys and learn about how the choice of grain can dramatically influence whiskey’s flavor profile. Don’t miss this exploration that will deepen your appreciation for the art and science of crafting rye whiskey.

  Panelists

  • – Eli Breitburg-Smith, Baltimore Spirits Co.
  • – Braeden Bumpers, McClintock Distilling Co.
  • – Brad Humbert, Bear Branch Malt

  This talk includes a whiskey tasting.

• Women In Whiskey11:10 am - 12:00 pm

  11:10 am - 12:00 pm

  This discussion highlights trailblazing women who are leaving an indelible mark on the whiskey industry. Explore the evolving landscape of whiskey through the lens of women working to redefine its culture. From distillery owners and master distillers to passionate retailers and consumers, women are shaping the industry in an incredible and inclusive way.

  Panelists

  • – Becky Harris, Catoctin Creek Distilling
  • – Denaya Jones-Reid, DEEstilled, Seelbach’s, and the Soul Palate Podcast
  • – Monica Pearce, Tenth Ward Distilling Co.
  • – Erin Petrey, Bourbon & Banter and Bourbon Women
  • – Moderator: Jennifer Yang, Covalent Spirits

• Lunch & Keynote Address with Clay Risen12:15 pm - 1:15 pm

  12:15 pm - 1:15 pm

  Don’t miss the keynote address at the 2023 Maryland Rye Symposium, featuring Clay Risen, New York Times reporter and the author of “American Rye: A Guide to the Nation’s Original Spirit.” Clay will unveil a compelling case for embracing the revival of rye whiskey like never before.

  Presenter

  • – Clay Risen, author, American Rye: A Guide to the Nation’s Original SpiritFrom Risen’s website, “(Risen) is a reporter at The New York Times and the author of the forthcoming book Bourbon: The Story of Kentucky Whiskey. A leading authority on whiskey, he writes extensively on the subject for the Times and other outlets, and has written three previous books, including The Impossible Collection of Whiskey, Single Malt: A Guide to the Whiskies of Scotland and the bestselling American Whiskey, Bourbon and Rye: A Guide to the Nation’s Favorite Spirit. When he’s not writing about whiskey, he writes about American history, including, most recently, The Crowded Hour: Theodore Roosevelt, the Rough Riders, and the Dawn of the American Century.”

• The Death of the Daily Drinker and the Future of Whiskey Consumer Habits1:25 pm - 2:15 pm

  1:25 pm - 2:15 pm

  Does anyone have just one go-to whiskey anymore? Join Denaya Jones-Reid, GM of Seelbach to learn more about the latest on single barrel picks, limited-time offerings, allocated releases and where she sees brands and consumers trending in the future.

  Presenter

  • Max Lents, Baltimore Spirits Co.
  • Marcus Stephens, Thought Generation
  • Moderator: Denaya Jones-Reid, DEEStilled, Seelbach’s and the Soul Palate Podcast

• Rye: The Original Cocktail Whiskey1:25 pm - 2:15 pm

  1:25 pm - 2:15 pm

  Discover how rye’s distinctive flavor profile and versatility made it the preferred spirit for classic cocktails throughout history. We’ll explore the historical significance of rye as the original cocktail whiskey and its enduring relevance in today’s mixology scene.

  Presenter

  • – Greg Mergner, Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild & Baltimore Spirits Co.

  This talk includes a whiskey tasting.

• The Wider World of Rye1:25 pm - 2:15 pm

  1:25 pm - 2:15 pm

  Explore the fascinating journey of rye whiskey beyond its American roots, focusing on international innovations and approaches to this classic spirit. As new distillers bring rye whiskey back to its ancestral home, they are crafting unique variations that challenge preconceived notions. Delving into the diverse expressions of rye across continents, this presentation challenges the idea that international ryes are ‘wrong’ or inferior to their American counterparts, emphasizing the concept that they are simply different, shaped by distinct whiskey-making traditions and regulations. Join us on a journey to broaden your perspective on the rich and varied world of rye whiskey.

  Presenter

  • – Lew Bryson, whiskey writer and blogger

  This talk includes a whiskey tasting.

• History of the Three Chamber Still - The Revival of a Lost American Tradition2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

  2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

  Join Todd Leopold, renowned distiller at Leopold Bros, for this talk delving deep into the history and significance of the three-chambered still. Discover how this ingenious distillation technology transformed the art of crafting rye whiskey. Todd will guide you through the evolution of the three-chamber still and its profound contributions to the world of distillation, showcasing its pivotal role in shaping the flavors and traditions of rye whiskey.

  Presenter

  • – Todd Leopold, Leopold Bros

  This talk includes a whiskey tasting.