Whiskey aficionados in Montgomery County have something to cheer about as the local Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) enriches its podcast offerings. The second installment of their series, 'Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services,' dips its toes into the craft of 'Whiskey Barrel Picks.' This process, largely unknown to casual spirits drinkers, allows individuals or small groups to personally select a barrel from a distillery, which is then bottled and labeled for their exclusive use. In a recent episode, as per Montgomery County News, ABS unpacked this unique service that's stirring interest among whiskey lovers.
It seems fans are looking to not just drink but actively engage in their whiskey experiences. Jay Spiegel, the ABS Retail Operations Manager, and Old Line Spirits co-founder Mark McLaughlin took the conversation further on the podcast, providing insights on what makes barrel picks stand out. According to Spiegel's comments in the episode, "With each barrel pick, we are offering customers a distinctive experience," highlighting how these selections cater to tastes shaped by market trends and customer feedback. The episode touched on distilling practices, barrel types, and proofs, conveying how ABS leverages its size and reach to deliver an expertly curated selection of barrel picks from local producers like Baltimore-based Old Line Spirits and national distilleries.
For those eager to sample these exclusive spirits, ABS maintains a tasting schedule on its website, letting customers plan their next sip of specialty whiskey. Old Line Spirits, highlighted in the podcast, stands out not only for its contribution to American single malt whiskey but also for its veteran-owned business status, reflecting a commitment to home-grown entrepreneurship. To indulge in the latest from ABS, whiskey enthusiasts can tune in to the podcast through various platforms, including Amazon, Apple, and Spotify, with future episodes set to delve into alcohol distribution, compliance checks, and local craft beverage producers.
With the Office of Broadband Programs' technical support from the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Services, ABS is continuing to reach out and educate stakeholders, as mentioned on its website. Listeners are also encouraged to actively participate by emailing ideas and questions for future discussions, making the conversation a two-way street. As Montgomery's exclusive wholesaler and retailer of beer, wine, and spirits, ABS's financial success doesn't just fill glasses—it also fills county coffers, contributing over $35 million in net income annually to support local services and infrastructure. For updates, followers can touch base through ABS's social media presence.
