Patapsco Distilling Company sits in historic Sykesville, Maryland, where founders Joe and Carol Powers transformed a former antique shop into Carroll County’s first distillery since Prohibition. The Powers opened their doors in 2019 after years of planning and navigating state regulations, bringing small-batch bourbon and rye production to this railroad town along the Patapsco River. Joe, a former government contractor, and Carol, who worked in healthcare administration, decided to pursue their passion for craft spirits after taking distilling classes and realizing Maryland needed more local whiskey producers. The journey wasn’t simple—Maryland’s distilling laws required changes to allow for on-site sales and tastings, which the Powers helped advocate for alongside other craft distillers in the state. They installed a 250-gallon copper still from Vendome Copper & Brass Works and began producing bourbon, rye whiskey, and seasonal spirits in small batches. Joe handles most of the distilling operations while Carol manages the business side and customer experience. Their philosophy centers on using locally-sourced grains when possible and aging their whiskeys in 15 and 30-gallon barrels to accelerate the maturation process. The tasting room occupies the front of their Main Street location, where visitors can sample their spirits and learn about the distilling process through large windows that look directly into the production area. You can watch Joe working the still during production days, and the space maintains the intimate feel of a family operation where you’re likely to meet the owners during your visit. They focus on educating visitors about the craft of distilling rather than just pouring samples, making it feel more like a masterclass than a typical tasting room experience.