Distillery District

History of District Distillery

District Distillery, located in Washington, D.C., was established in 2014 by Peter Johnson, a passionate entrepreneur with a deep appreciation for craft spirits. The distillery was born out of Johnson’s desire to create high-quality, locally-sourced spirits that reflect the unique character and history of the nation’s capital.

Founder: Peter Johnson

Peter Johnson, a native of Washington, D.C., spent years studying the art of distillation and honing his skills before founding District Distillery. His vision was to produce exceptional spirits that would stand out in the competitive world of craft distilling. Johnson’s dedication to quality and innovation has been the driving force behind the distillery’s success.

Types of Whiskey Offered

District Distillery offers a diverse range of whiskeys, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Their flagship product is the District Bourbon, a rich and complex whiskey aged in new American oak barrels. In addition to bourbon, the distillery produces:

• Rye Whiskey: Known for its spicy and robust flavor profile, made from a high rye mash bill.
• Single Malt Whiskey: A smooth and refined whiskey, distilled from 100% malted barley.
• Wheat Whiskey: A softer, sweeter whiskey, crafted with a high percentage of wheat in the mash bill.

Distillation Process

The distillation process at District Distillery is a blend of traditional methods and modern technology. The distillery uses a custom-built copper pot still, designed to enhance the flavor and character of their spirits. Each batch is carefully monitored and distilled to ensure the highest quality.

Awards Won by District Distillery

San Francisco World Spirits Competition:

• Gold Medal: District Bourbon received a Gold Medal, recognizing its outstanding quality and craftsmanship.

New York International Spirits Competition:

• Distillery of the Year: District Distillery was honored as the Distillery of the Year, reflecting its excellence across its entire range of products.

American Distilling Institute (ADI) Awards:

• Best in Class: Their Rye Whiskey was awarded Best in Class, highlighting its superior taste and unique character.

International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC):

• Silver Medal: The Single Malt Whiskey from District Distillery earned a Silver Medal, showcasing its refined and well-balanced flavor profile.

Craft Spirits Berlin Awards:

• Platinum Certification: District Distillery achieved Platinum Certification, a testament to its innovative spirit production and high standards of quality.

District Distillery Tour Information and Experience

District Distillery offers a comprehensive and immersive tour experience that showcases the art and science of distilling spirits. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Ivy City in Washington, D.C., the distillery provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the craft of distillation, the history of the distillery, and the processes involved in creating their award-winning spirits.

What to Expect

During the tour, guests are guided through the entire production process, from grain to glass. This includes a visit to the mashing area, fermentation tanks, and the custom-built copper pot still. The tour highlights the meticulous attention to detail that goes into each batch of whiskey, gin, and other spirits.

Tasting Sessions

The tour also includes a tasting session where visitors can sample a variety of District Distillery’s products. This tasting experience allows guests to appreciate the distinct flavors and characteristics of each spirit, including their flagship District Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey, and Wheat Whiskey. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the flavor profiles and the unique qualities of each spirit.

Booking Information

Tours are available by appointment and can be booked online through the District Distillery website. They offer several tour options, including standard tours, private tours, and special events. It is recommended to book in advance, as spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

Additional Offerings

In addition to the tours, District Distillery also hosts various events and workshops throughout the year. These include cocktail-making classes, special tasting events, and seasonal celebrations. Visitors can also explore the distillery’s bottle shop, where they can purchase their favorite spirits and other merchandise.

Flask & Barrel Review of District Distillery

I recently had the pleasure of visiting District Distillery in Ivy City, Washington, D.C., and I must say, it was a fantastic experience. As a whiskey collector who has been on countless distillery tours, I can confidently give this place a 4.7 out of 5.

From the moment I walked in, the vibe was welcoming and relaxed. The tour was well-organized and informative. Our guide was knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the distilling process. We started with a brief history of the distillery, which was fascinating. Learning about how they source their grains locally and their dedication to sustainable practices added a nice touch to the tour.

The highlight, of course, was seeing the distillation process up close. The custom-built copper pot still was impressive, and it was great to hear about the attention to detail that goes into every batch. The guide explained each step in a way that was easy to understand, even for those who might not be as familiar with the distilling process.

The tasting session at the end was the cherry on top. We got to sample a range of their spirits, including their flagship District Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, and Single Malt Whiskey. Each one had a distinct flavor profile, and you could really taste the craftsmanship in each sip. My personal favorite was the Rye Whiskey, with its bold, spicy notes.

One of the things that stood out to me was the sense of community and pride that the distillery has. It’s clear that they are not just making spirits, but also creating a space for people to come together and appreciate good whiskey.

What To Do Nearby District Distillery

St. Lawrence Market (1.2 miles): Immerse yourself in a foodie paradise at St. Lawrence Market, renowned for its fresh produce, international vendors, and delicious prepared foods. Sample local cheeses and meats, savor global cuisine, or pick up unique ingredients to inspire your culinary creations.

Sugar Beach (1.4 miles): Escape the urban bustle and relax on the picturesque Sugar Beach. Soak up the sun on the sandy shores overlooking Lake Ontario, enjoy a refreshing drink at a waterfront patio, or take a scenic stroll along the harborfront trail.

Hockey Hall of Fame (1.5 miles): Step into the world of hockey legends at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Explore interactive exhibits celebrating the history of the sport, admire the Stanley Cup, and learn about iconic players and teams that have shaped the game.

CN Tower (1.6 miles): Ascend to new heights at the iconic CN Tower, a symbol of Toronto’s skyline. Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city from the observation deck, test your nerves on the thrilling EdgeWalk, or have a memorable meal at the revolving restaurant.

Kensington Market (1.8 miles): Explore the vibrant streets of Kensington Market, a bohemian neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and street art. Discover unique vintage clothing stores, browse quirky art galleries, savor international street food, and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near District Distillery?

Terroni Sud Forno Produzione e Spaccio (Spaccio East): It has a 4.5-star rating. Located at 22 Sackville Street, this Italian restaurant offers a full-service dining experience with an industrial vibe. For reservations contact at +1 416-368-3105.

Ki Modern Japanese + Bar: It boasts a 4.4-star rating. Situated in the Financial District, this restaurant offers contemporary Japanese cuisine, including sushi, small plates, and shared entrees. 

The Chase: It is a 4.4 star rating restaurant. For reservation contact at +16473487000, you can visit them at 10 Temperance St Fl 5, Toronto, ON M5H 1Y4, Canada.

What hotels are near District Distillery?

The Omni King Edward Hotel: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 37 King Street East, Toronto, ON M5C 1E9. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +1 416-863-9700.

Fairmont Royal York: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 100 Front Street West, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +1 416-368-2511.

Shangri-La Hotel Toronto: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 188 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5H 0A3. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +1 647-788-8888.