Leopold Bros. Maryland-Style Rye Whiskey, Colorado

Reviving a nearly forgotten pre-Prohibition style, Leopold Bros. Maryland-Style Rye Whiskey pays homage to the softer, fruit-forward rye whiskies that once flourished around Washington, D.C. during the Civil War era. Crafted with 65% rye, 15% corn, and 20% floor-malted barley, this whiskey captures the buttery, floral elegance that defined the region’s signature style, now brought back to life by master distiller Todd Leopold, who meticulously recreated it by studying vintage Maryland ryes from private collections.

Product Details:

• Type: Maryland-Style Rye Whiskey
• ABV: 50% (100 Proof, Bottled-in-Bond)
• Mash Bill: 65% rye, 15% corn, 20% floor-malted barley
• Age: 5 Years
• Production: Floor-malted barley, long fermentation, distilled in traditional copper stills
• Maturation: American oak barrels, natural dunnage aging

Sensory Description:

The Leopold Bros. Maryland-Style Rye Whiskey opens with an enticing nose of cinnamon bun, orange marmalade, orchard fruits, and creamy vanilla, supported by toasted oak and subtle herbs. On the palate, it presents layers of cinnamon, buttered bread, sweet grains, and roasted stone fruits, balanced by a delicate spice that is assertive yet never sharp. The whiskey’s signature buttery texture and soft, floral edges lead to a lingering, warming finish that echoes the historic elegance of Maryland rye.

Awards & Accolades:

• Silver Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2011)
• Bronze Medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013)

Distiller's Background:

Founded by brothers Todd and Scott Leopold, Leopold Bros. Distillery in Colorado is a model of heritage craftsmanship blended with modern sustainability. Established initially in Michigan, the distillery relocated to Denver, where the brothers constructed a zero-waste distilling facility, including Colorado’s first on-site malting floor and dunnage-style barrelhouse. With Todd’s expertise in malting and fermentation and Scott’s engineering and environmental focus, the distillery produces small-batch, hands-on spirits using only the finest local grains and traditional methods. Their revival of the Three Chamber Still and pre-Prohibition floor malting process are part of their mission to preserve the art and soul of American distilling.

Serving Suggestions:

Savor Leopold Bros. Maryland-Style Rye Whiskey neat or with a splash of spring water to highlight its rich, layered profile. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, aged cheeses, or classic rye cocktails such as the Manhattan or Vieux Carré, where its softer, fruitier style brings a vintage elegance and depth of character rarely found in modern rye whiskies.