Tobacco Barn Distillery sits on Hollywood Road in Southern Maryland’s St. Mary’s County, where tobacco farming defined the landscape for centuries. Founded by Dave Kyriakakis, a former Navy pilot turned craft distiller, the operation launched in 2016 after years of planning and regulatory navigation. The distillery occupies a purpose-built facility designed to honor the area’s agricultural heritage while housing modern distilling equipment. They produce bourbon, rye whiskey, and seasonal spirits using locally-sourced grains when possible. Kyriakakis transitioned from military aviation to craft distilling after developing a passion for whiskey during his Navy years. The journey from concept to opening took nearly four years, involving extensive permitting processes and building construction. He partnered with local contractors familiar with agricultural buildings to create a space that feels authentic to Southern Maryland’s farming tradition. The operation focuses on small-batch production with hands-on attention to every step of the process. Visitors find a working distillery where production happens in full view, with copper stills and fermentation tanks creating an industrial yet approachable atmosphere. The tasting room features reclaimed wood and local artwork, maintaining the agricultural aesthetic while providing comfortable space for sampling spirits. Tours walk guests through the grain-to-glass process, explaining how corn, wheat, and rye transform into aged whiskey. The scale remains intimate enough that you’ll likely meet Kyriakakis himself during your visit.