The Founders’ Barrel: A Milestone in American Single Malt Whiskey

| January 30, 2025
Old Line Co-Founder Mark McLaughlin

Our first-ever Founders’ Barrel, hand-selected by Co-Founder Mark McLaughlin, was exactly that—a piece of Old Line Spirits history.

This 8-year-old, cask-strength American Single Malt was among the very first barrels we laid down, representing the patience, passion, and relentless pursuit of quality that define Old Line.

And just like that, it was gone.

A Whiskey Eight Years in the Making—Sold Out in 60 Minutes

When this bottle hit the shelves, we knew it would go fast—but even we were surprised. Our Quarterdeck Whiskey Club members got early access, and before the general public even had a shot, the entire release was spoken for.

For those who missed out, we feel your pain. But before we look ahead, let’s take a moment to appreciate what was inside the bottle.

Tasting Notes: A Whiskey Worth the Wait

This cask-strength beauty (132.4 proof) delivered a rich and complex experience from the first sip to the last:

🥃 Nose: Baking spices greet you upfront, layered with hints of stone fruit—think dates and dried prunes.

🥃 Palate: Those warming spices continue through, balanced by vanilla bean, semi-sweet cocoa, and a beautifully rich mouthfeel. Some called it reminiscent of a Mexican hot chocolate, thanks to the gentle warmth from the high proof.

🥃 Finish: Long, bold, and satisfying. A little water reins in the heat, but honestly? This one was best enjoyed neat.

Old Line Founders Barrel American Single Malt

“This barrel is a reflection of where we started and how far we’ve come. It’s one of the very first we laid down, and after eight years, it’s matured into something truly extraordinary—rich, complex, and full of character. When we started Old Line we had only a vague idea of what our whiskey would taste like at 8+ years and reality exceeds our expectations!”

– Mark McLaughlin, Co-Founder, Old Line Spirits 

Old Line Founders Barrel Marks Release Front Label

The Next Founders’ Barrel Is Coming—And It’s Arch’s Turn

If Mark’s selection honored where we started, the next Founders’ Barrel is about where we’re headed. This time, Co-Founder Arch Watkins is choosing the barrel. Different palate. Different perspective. Same commitment to exceptional whiskey.

What will Arch’s pick taste like? You’ll have to wait and see. But if the last release was any indication, you won’t want to wait too long.

Want to make sure you don’t miss this one?

Join the Quarterdeck Whiskey Club for early access to the next Founders’ Barrel and other exclusive releases.

The first Founders’ Barrel was a milestone. Arch’s selection? That’s the next step forward.

Stay tuned. The best is yet to come.

Cheers,
The Old Line Spirits Team

Mixing Up Romance: Two Signature Cocktails for Your Valentine

| February 6, 2024
Old Line Case 1 Valentines Day Cocktails

Hey there, cocktail lovers! Ready to add a twist to your Valentine’s Day with some exceptional drinks? Let’s dive into the world of American Single Malt and Case 1 Rum, two spirits that are changing the game and turning heads. This Valentine’s, we’re showcasing two signature cocktails that perfectly blend the rich, complex flavors of American Single Malt and the vibrant, tropical notes of Case 1 Rum. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or looking to impress that special someone, these recipes are your ticket to a memorable celebration. So, grab your shaker, and let’s mix up some romance with these standout spirits!

Fall Head Over Heels with Love Potion #9

This Valentine’s Day, cast a spell of love and enchantment with Love Potion #9, a cocktail that marries the boldness of Navy Strength American Single Malt Whiskey with the sweetness of cranberry and the exotic flair of dry Curacao. Topped off with a fizz of Prosecco and a kiss of strawberry, this drink is sure to ignite romance.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. Navy Strength American Single Malt Whiskey
  • 1 oz. Cranberry Juice
  • 1 oz. Dry Curacao
  • 0.5 oz. Prosecco
  • Garnish: Strawberry Slice

Steps:

  1. In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass filled with ice, pour the Navy Strength American Single Malt Whiskey, cranberry juice, and dry Curacao.
  2. Stir the concoction for 25 – 30 seconds, allowing it to chill thoroughly.
  3. Strain the chilled mixture into a rocks glass brimming with crushed ice.
  4. Gently top with Prosecco to add a bubbly sparkle.
  5. Adorn with a slice of strawberry for a garnish that promises love at first sip.

Let the robust flavors of Old Line Navy Strength American Single Malt be the highlight of your evening, promising passion and unforgettable memories. Find a bottle near you or have one delivered to your doorstep.

Step into a World of Romance with Between The Sheets

Prepare to be whisked away on a romantic adventure with Between The Sheets, a cocktail that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Valentine’s Day. Infused with the smooth, rich flavors of Case 1 Rum and balanced with the warmth of brandy and the citrus zest of triple sec, this drink is a testament to love’s delightful complexity. Topped with a delicate rose petal, it’s an elegant tribute to the beauty of connection and the joy of sharing special moments.

Old Line Spirits Between The Sheets Valentines Day Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. Case 1 Rum Original
  • 1 oz. Brandy
  • 1 oz. Triple Sec
  • 0.25 oz. Lemon Juice
  • Garnish: Rose Petal

Steps:

  1. Combine Case 1 Rum, brandy, triple sec, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake until chilled.
  3. Strain into a coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with a rose petal for a touch of elegance.

 Here’s to love, laughter, and the memorable moments crafted with Case 1 Rum Original. Cheers! Discover a bottle near you or have one delivered today to elevate your evening with a touch of elegance.

2012 American Distilling Institute’s Best Single Malt – Gold Medal Winner

| December 16, 2015

When someone says “single malt” in conversation at the bar, the vast majority of people tend to think of single malt Scotch whiskey made on a romantic craggy landscape in Scotland. But there’s a groundswell of new American-made single malt whiskeys showing up on shelves, and thanks to the passion of local distillers—at press time there were five making some sort of single malt—Washington state is starting to make a name for itself with this spirit.

But what does the term “single malt whiskey” actually mean? It’s a spirit made using a malted grain—almost always barley, different than bourbon’s usual corn base—made at a single distillery. If a label reads “single malt Scotch,” it has to be made in Scotland (as all Scotch does), follow the two aforementioned rules and be made in a pot still (which is often copper). American single malt whiskeys aren’t as regulated. This can lead to a wide range of flavors, with the smell and taste being affected by the type of malted grain and yeast distilled, as well as a number of other variables, from the water used to the equipment to the weather outside to the aging process and more. The devotion to those details and capturing our sense of place sets our local distillers—and their liquors—apart.

Golden Distillery, [now Old Line Spirits from Baltimore] is the longest-tenured single malt, this whiskey already has won a gold medal at the American Distilling Institute’s 2012 Judging of Craft American Spirits. It has a nice malty nose and a well-balanced taste of maple, apple, honey and oak, with a smooth toffee and brown sugar finish.

Note: This is an excerpt from the March 2014 Seattle Magazine article, Washington State Distillers Embrace American Single Malt Whiskey