Tobacco Barn Distillery, a celebrated business based in Hollywood, Maryland, has recently achieved a significant milestone by being named "America's #1 Farm Distillery." This recognition comes on the heels of years of dedication to crafting premium spirits and fostering a sustainable, locally rooted business model. With the talented and innovative team of Dan Dawson, Sean Coogan & Scott Sanders, Tobacco Barn Distillery has garnered attention not only for the quality of its products but also for its commitment to the agricultural and local economy of Southern Maryland.
Tobacco Barn Distillery’s journey began with a simple but ambitious mission: to create world-class Bourbon from estate grown corn while preserving the agricultural traditions of the region. From the beginning, Scott Sanders and his partners focused on leveraging local resources, sourcing ingredients & supplies from Maryland farms & businesses while employing traditional distilling techniques. This dedication to authenticity quickly set the distillery apart in a competitive market.
Over the years, Tobacco Barn Distillery grew steadily, working closely with the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to navigate business challenges and seize growth opportunities. Through a series of strategic counseling sessions, funding guidance, and technical support from the SBDC, the distillery was able to scale operations, refine its production processes, and expand its distribution footprint. Their successful application for two USDA “Value-Added Producer” grants, further bolstered their resources and capacity.
In 2023, the distillery reached a new pinnacle of success when it was named "America's #1 Farm Distillery" at the prestigious Heartland Whiskey Competition hosted by the American Craft Spirits Association. This award, based on a blind tasting that evaluated the quality of the spirits produced, highlighted Tobacco Barn Distillery’s commitment to excellence. Out of all participants, fewer than 10% achieved the Gold Medal status, with Tobacco Barn Distillery being one of only nine Gold Medal winners in the bourbon category. They received a score of “95” from professional Bourbon judges.
This national recognition not only underscored the distillery’s expertise in crafting premium bourbon but also reinforced its reputation as a leader in farm-to-bottle production, a model that emphasizes sustainability and local economic impact.
With their recent accolades, Scott Sanders and his partners at Tobacco Barn Distillery are poised for further expansion. Plans are already in motion to automate their production so they can increase capacity. They also will explore new product lines, and expand their footprint in both national and international markets. The SBDC continues to be a trusted partner in this growth, providing ongoing support for scaling operations and accessing new opportunities, such as potential funding through the Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 program.
Tobacco Barn Distillery’s success story is a testament to the power of dedication, quality craftsmanship, and strategic support. With the assistance of the Maryland SBDC, this farm distillery has turned a local operation into an award-winning enterprise, setting a high standard in the craft distillery industry. Their journey demonstrates that when local businesses are empowered with the right resources and guidance, they can achieve remarkable success on the national stage.
Scott and the Tobacco Barn Distillery team will receive the RMI 2024 Maryland Manufacturing Stars Award on November 14, 2024 in Baltimore!
Stars by County https://rmiofmaryland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Stars-List-for-Distribution-1.pdf Star Stories: https://rmiofmaryland.com/2024-maryland-manufacturing-stars-directory
Posted: 11/11/2024