If you’ve ever ordered a rye whiskey at Bierbath, you’re sipping on more than just a bold, spicy spirit, you’re drinking a piece of Maryland history. Our state was once one of the biggest rye whiskey producers in America, but after Prohibition, the industry nearly disappeared. Now, decades later, Maryland distilleries are bringing rye back, and we couldn’t be more excited to pour it for you.
The Golden Age of Maryland Rye
In the 1800s, Maryland wasn’t just known for crabs and oysters; it was famous for whiskey. Maryland rye had a reputation for being smoother and slightly sweeter than its Pennsylvania cousin, which leaned dry and spicy. Farmers across the state used rye grain in their mash, producing whiskey that was beloved in bars from Baltimore to Washington, D.C. By the late 19th century, Maryland was home to dozens of distilleries, and rye whiskey was as common as beer.
Prohibition: The Great Disappearance
When Prohibition hit in 1920, Maryland made history again, but this time for a different reason. The state earned the nickname “The Free State” because it openly resisted enforcing Prohibition laws. Speakeasies thrived, and bootleg liquor flowed freely. But the legal distilleries, the ones producing authentic Maryland rye, were forced to shut down.
By the time Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Kentucky bourbon had gained traction, and many Maryland distillers never reopened. Rye whiskey became a shadow of its former self, remembered more as a cocktail ingredient than a proud regional spirit.
Wet City Baltimore
While much of the country went dry during Prohibition, Baltimore proudly earned a reputation as one of America’s “wettest” cities. Maryland politicians refused to spend money enforcing the ban, and Baltimore bars kept the party alive. Speakeasies flourished, police often looked the other way, and Marylanders enjoyed their whiskey when most of the country couldn’t. This rebellious spirit gave the state its famous nickname, “The Free State,” and helped keep the love of rye whiskey alive even as legal distilleries struggled to survive.
Why Rye Almost Vanished
Two big factors worked against rye:
- Changing tastes – Post-Prohibition drinkers preferred the smoother sweetness of bourbon.
- Industrial decline – Many distilleries closed permanently, and rye production moved out of Maryland, leaving bourbon to dominate the shelves for decades.
By the mid-20th century, Maryland rye whiskey was nearly extinct.
The Revival of a Maryland Classic
Fast-forward to today, and rye is back in the spotlight. The craft whiskey movement has fueled a renaissance of Maryland rye, with distilleries honoring tradition while putting their own spin on it. Some key players:
- Baltimore Spirits Company (Baltimore) – Makers of the award-winning Epoch Rye, an epic expression of Maryland-style whiskey that has helped put the state back on the whiskey map.
- Sagamore Spirit (Baltimore) – A waterfront distillery that’s become a whiskey landmark, producing rye that balances sweetness and spice.
These distilleries aren’t just making whiskey, they’re reviving a lost chapter of Maryland’s heritage.
At Bierbath
When you sip a Maryland rye at Bierbath, you’re not just tasting a bold, peppery whiskey—you’re connecting with history. It’s the comeback story of a spirit that nearly vanished, only to rise again with more character than ever.
That’s why we’re proud to feature Maryland rye in our whiskey flights. Compare it against a Kentucky bourbon and a Tennessee whiskey, and you’ll taste exactly why our state’s style stands apart.
Come Taste the Revival
Maryland once stood at the center of America’s rye whiskey map. Thanks to passionate distillers and curious drinkers, it’s back on the rise. Join us at Bierbath, order a rye flight, and raise a glass to the spirit that refused to stay buried.
