Catoctin Creek Distillery Tour — Purcellville, Virginia

Discover the Catoctin Creek Distillery Tour in Virginia

Visit Catoctin Creek Distilling Company in Purcellville, the heart of Virginia’s first legal distillery since Prohibition and one of the nation’s premier rye whisky producers. This immersive tour offers a close-up look at how organic grains, copper pot stills, and meticulous craftsmanship come together to create award-winning spirits such as Roundstone Rye.

Why it’s special:
Catoctin Creek is a true grain-to-glass distillery focused on sustainability, organic ingredients, and traditional rye whisky methods. Visitors enjoy a friendly, educational environment where every batch is crafted with care inside a historic building in Purcellville’s charming downtown.

History / Story of Catoctin Creek Distilling Company

Founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife team Scott and Becky Harris, Catoctin Creek was the first distillery to open in Loudoun County since before Prohibition. They set out to revive Virginia’s heritage of rye whisky production using eco-friendly practices, organic grains, and classic pot-still distillation. Over the years, the distillery has earned national acclaim for its Roundstone Rye whiskies, gins, brandies, and limited-release spirits, all made by hand in small batches.

What You’ll See & Do at the Catoctin Creek Distillery Tour

• Step inside the production room and learn how rye whisky is made from scratch

• See the copper pot stills at work and learn how distillation shapes flavor

• Explore fermentation tanks, barreling areas, and bottling equipment

• Learn about organic grain sourcing and Catoctin Creek’s sustainability mission

• Enjoy a guided tasting of several spirits (ages 21+ with valid ID)

• Browse the retail shop for bottles, exclusive releases, and branded merchandise

Hands-On Elements: Guided tasting, aroma comparisons, whisky education, Q&A with distillers.
Photo/Video Policy: Photos allowed in most areas; no flash in production zones.
Souvenirs & Extras: Limited editions, tasting sets, apparel, cocktail tools, and local artisan items.

Pricing of the Catoctin Creek Distillery Tour

Price: $15–$35 per person, depending on the selected tour or tasting experience.

Practical Info for Visiting Catoctin Creek Distillery

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Format: Guided distillery tour with tasting
Working Hours (Visitors Center & Tastings):

• Monday–Tuesday: Closed

• Wednesday–Friday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Saturday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Audience: Whisky fans, craft-spirit lovers, couples, groups, travelers exploring Loudoun County
Accessibility: Most indoor spaces accessible; historic building layout may include narrow pathways
Safety & Restrictions: Tastings for ages 21+ only; ID required
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Group tastings available; school tours not available
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes, valid ID
Facilities: Tasting room, retail shop, restrooms, parking nearby
Closures: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; major holidays may affect hours

Nearby

• Downtown Purcellville – Restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and historic charm

• Loudoun Wine Country – Dozens of vineyards within a short drive

• W&OD Trail – Scenic walking and cycling path through western Loudoun

FAQs About Visiting Catoctin Creek

Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended for tours and tastings, especially on weekends.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Children may accompany adults but cannot participate in tastings.

Do they offer cocktails on-site?
Yes — Catoctin Creek often serves craft cocktails featuring their spirits during tasting-room hours.

Is parking available?
Yes, free and street parking options are available near the distillery.

Do they sell distillery-only releases?
Yes — visitors can often purchase special editions and limited bottlings not found in stores.