Whether beer, wine, or spirits, alcohol production has been a staple industry in Maryland since the colonial era. Preservation Maryland’s new Spirited History program aims to study the history of alcohol manufacturers in the state’s past, connect the rich history of the industry to today’s craft beverage production, and highlight how Maryland remains a world-class producer.
Spirited History is sponsored in part by a grant from the Department of Commerce’s Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Promotion Fund. In addition to events at breweries, distilleries, and wineries across the state in the coming months, we have also produced a report that develops a historic context and identifies resources associated with the production, manufacture, and distribution of alcoholic beverages in the state of Maryland from the colonial era to the present day (1632-2024).
Future Events Will Be Featured Here
1938 -Advert for Wight’s Maryland Straight Rye Whiskey – The_Atlanta_Journal_1938_05_26_pg 2
1926 -Delegation of Maryland women at Capitol on prohibition hearing – Library of Congress npcc 15712
1920s -Maryland Whiskey branded cases on beach, Bimini, Bahamas – Library of Congress ppss 00901
1772 -public auction enslaved and cider – Maryland_Gazette_1772_04_02 pg 4
1876 -Open Air Grape Culture by John Phin, page 104 – Library of Congress
1886 -Trademark by Cahn Belt & Co for Maryland Club Pure Old Rye brand whisky – Library of Congress trmk 1t13813
1894 -Trademark by Maryland Distilling Company of Baltimore County for Calvert brand Whisky – Library of Congress trmk 1t24343
1908 -Nason’s Tavern, 139 Dock Street, Annapolis – Maryland State Archives Accession No. MSA SC 2140-1-299 Location 33020225
