McClintock Distilling sits right in the heart of historic downtown Frederick, Maryland, at 35 South Carroll Street, where co-founders Braeden Bumpers and Tyler McClintock opened their doors in 2016. These guys didn’t just stumble into distilling—Bumpers brought years of brewing experience while McClintock had been perfecting his craft distilling skills for years before they decided to make it official. The operation occupies a restored downtown building that perfectly captures Frederick’s blend of history and innovation, with copper stills visible through large windows that let passersby peek into the action. They focus primarily on whiskey, gin, and vodka, with their bourbon and rye whiskeys earning the most attention from visitors and locals alike. The space itself feels authentically industrial without being pretentious, with exposed brick, concrete floors, and the kind of lighting that makes everything look Instagram-ready without trying too hard. What started as two friends with a shared obsession has grown into one of Frederick’s most talked-about craft distilleries, where you can actually watch spirits being made instead of just hearing about it. The tasting room has that comfortable neighborhood bar vibe where regulars chat with newcomers and the bartenders know their stuff without being snobby about it.