Maryland's Best and Maryland Grain Producers Host Second Annual Maryland Spirits Competition

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 29, 2025) ~ Annapolis, MD - The 2025 Maryland Spirits Competition, hosted by the Maryland Grain Producers Association and Maryland Department of Agriculture's Maryland's Best program, recently took place to showcase the state's distilleries using at least 50% of locally grown grain in their whiskey production. The competition aims to promote the use of Maryland grain and highlight the variety of spirits made with local products.

"We are thrilled to continue this competition in 2025, emphasizing the connection between farmers and consumer products," stated Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. "The commitment to using local grain in a glass is crucial in demonstrating the importance of purchasing local, even when it comes to Maryland spirits."

This year's competition featured two awards: the Maryland's Best Farmer's Choice Award and the Maryland's Best Cocktail Competition, both requiring participants to use at least 50% locally grown grain in their whiskey. Five companies, including McClintock Distilling, Meinelschmidt Distillery, Pathfinder Farm Distillery, Tenth Ward Distilling, Sangfroid Distilling and Tobacco Barn Distillery competed for the Farmer's Choice Award.

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After a blind judging round, Meinelschmidt Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey was declared the winner of the Farmer's Choice Award. Along with a $1,000 prize from the Maryland Grain Producers and a trophy, Meinelschmidt will also have the right to use the Maryland Spirit Competition Winner logo on their products. Their winning Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made with a blend of malted white winter wheat, malted barley, field rye, yellow corn and bloody butcher corn aged for three years in American Oak barrels. The ingredients were sourced from Ernst Grain Farm in Clear Spring and Pathfinder Farms in Boonsboro. This award-winning whiskey is currently available at their tasting room and select retailers.

In addition to the Farmer's Choice Award, a Cocktail Competition was also held on July 24 at the Maryland Grain Producer's annual Commodity Classic event in Queen Anne's County. Participating distilleries, including McClintock Distilling, Meinelschmidt Distillery, Pathfinder Farm Distillery and Tobacco Barn Distillery, submitted cocktails made with at least 50% Maryland grain. Attendees of the event were able to sample and vote for their favorite cocktail, with the top three winners announced at the end of the program.

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The first place winner was Tobacco Barn Distilling with their Maryland 400 cocktail, earning them a $500 prize. Second place went to Pathfinder Farms for their Blueberry Lemonade cocktail, winning a $300 prize. And in third place was McClintock Distillery with their Chai Pear Whiskey Sour, earning a $200 prize.

"The Maryland Grain Producers Board was very receptive to working with the Department of Agriculture and recognizing those who use our producer's grain in their beverages. We are grateful for their support of Maryland Grain Production and look forward to furthering our relationship," said Steve Ernst, President of the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board.

To find all the products and cocktails featured in this competition, visit Marylandsbest.net. For more information on the Maryland Grain Producers Association, visit their website. For inquiries about participating in future competitions, please contact Kristin Hanna, Director of Special Projects for Maryland's Best at kristin.hanna@maryland.gov.

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