Looking for the perfect vodka drink for your crab pick? Well, look no further! Old Bay flavored vodka is now available in Maryland, Delaware, and Washington D.C..
This product is the result of McCormick Spices, George’s Beverage Company, and McClintock Distilling all working together throughout the pandemic. George’s Beverage Company also created an Old Bay Bloody Mary Mix in collaboration with McCormick Spices, the producers of Old Bay.
“We have a relationship with McCormick and Old Bay because of the Old Bay Bloody Mary mix,” co-founder of George’s Beverage Company, Greg David said. “They said, how about an Old Bay vodka and I was floored. I said, wow this is a great idea.” So they set out to find a distillery that wanted to help make the ultimate bloody Mary.
“I found everything we were looking for after talking to a lot of distilleries in Maryland,” said David. “McClintock Distilling in Frederick is actually the only USDA certified organic distillery in the state and one of a few in the country.” McClintock Distilling has also been named best craft vodka distillery in the country by USA Today in 2020.
Co-owner of McClintock Distilling, Tyler Hegamyer, says they had to produce a liquid version of Old Bay to mix in during the distilling process. So, they created an Old Bay extract, which is probably the most Maryland thing you could do.
He also says the team went through 46 different versions of the drink before selecting the final blend. Going through so many tastings wasn’t easy either given the constraints of Covid-19. “We’d be in this room with the McClintock team and our team and we’d be Zooming with the McCormick and Old Bay teams. They’re scientists. The flavor solution scientists at McCormick did this with us,” David explained.
The end result of all this hard work is a 70-proof, 35% alcohol vodka that goes perfect with Old Bay bloody Mary mix. Only for those 21+, enjoy responsibly.
[Editor’s note: also don’t forget Flying Dog offers an Old Bay-flavored double dead rise imperial summer ale!]
