Page 41 - Beverage MasterOct Nov 2020

Craft Distillery

Signature Spirits: Sloe Gin, Barrel Reserve Sloe Gin, product have matured in the past several years.
Vodka, Four Grain Straight Bourbon Catoctin Creek has always been grain-to-glass,
but we have really leaned into our identity
1. First, an absolute trust in my palate, which as the Virginia Rye Whisky, incorporating the
is necessary when making “cuts” at the still, regional grain, terroir and even wood to high-
blending and product developing. Sensing subtle light our primary and unique focus on 100% rye
flavor and textural nuances within a run is what mashbill whiskies. It sounds simple, but really
helps maintain a house profile as much as it also learning who you are as a company is an evolu-
defines a distiller’s signature. Second, my ability tion.
to understand equipment and process timing so
that I can develop efficient methods of working 2. As a chemical engineer, I always appreciated
to increase speed and productivity. The best the technical challenges and achievement of
production hand is one who maintains speed making delicious whisky. Over the past 11 years,
with the least amount of movement. I’ve grown to appreciate the visual and story
aspects of this business. Engaging more on the
2. Being part of the craft distilling industry is, first marketing aspects of what we do has not only
and foremost, a passion play. The goal is to pro- improved my communication skills but also
vide an environment of inspiration, education made me more confident as a founder and lead-
and exploration so you can stand together on er in a business that I entered in my 40s.
new frontiers. Though deadlines and malfunc-
tioning equipment might get in the way, culti- 3. I would recommend this to everyone: join one
vating employee and client relationships creates of the professional organizations available to
a robust team that can withstand any challenge. you—volunteer to serve. You’ll gain knowledge,
friendships and a better understanding of the
3. Learn all aspects of the business, from pres- industry and the best ways to navigate it for
sure-washing drains to making cocktails. Share your company, your employees and even your-
respect and value with your team members, self.
your production space and the products you
make. Embrace opportunities for future growth Lein and Michelle
or change. Be fearless in the face of challenge, Ly—Co-Founders and
enjoy the ride and embrace your personal evo- Head Distiller—Vinn
lution. Distillery

Becky Harris— Seven generations
Co-Founder and Chief of the Ly family have
Distiller—Catoctin crafted Baijiu, a
Creek Distillery 4,000-year-old Chinese
rice liquor. In 2009,
Harris, a former Phan Ly and wife, Kim
chemical engineer, Trinh, started Vinn
formed Catoctin Creek Distillery in Portland,
in Purcellville, Virginia, Oregon, to carry on this
with husband Scott, “white liquor” tradition in the United States. Today,
in 2009. Considered five Ly siblings share various operational roles, with
Virginia’s “Most Lein as head distiller and sister Michelle handling
Awarded Spirits,” Harris sales and marketing.
celebrates her state’s
heritage and history through many aspects of the Signature Spirits: Vinn Baijiu, Baijiu Family
brand and produces a vibrant private single cask Reserve, Whiskey, Vodka
expression program.
1. We’re most proud that we make everything
Signature Spirits: Roundhouse Rye, Rabble Rouser from scratch using our family’s traditional meth-
Bottled in Bond, 1757 Virginia Brandy XO ods, and to introduce one of the oldest and
most-consumed spirits in the world to the gen-
1. I’m incredibly proud of how our vision and eral market here in the U.S. Using non-GMO rice

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