The Sloop Betty Story

Who are we? First a little history lesson...

No, we're not going to bore your socks off. Truth is, to understand our story, it's important to know the history of distilling in our fine state of Maryland. During Prohibition, (read a thorough article about Prohibition on Wikipedia), when the federal government severely restricted the sale and use of alcohol, many small distilleries and alcohol producers went out of business. As soon as Prohibition was over, making alcohol in Maryland began again, but it forever altered the distilling landscape.

 

Ok, so more about Sloop Betty now...

Sloop Betty is the first product of Blackwater Distilling, the first distillery in Maryland in more than 35 years. Sloop Betty is our flagship product (flagSHIP is important-but we'll get to that in a minute), a hand crafted wheat vodka made from Maryland products. As the first distillery licensed by the state and federal governments in several decades, we're proud to bring Maryland back into her fine heritage of distilling spirits.

 

Who are we?

We are Chris and Jon Cook, brothers who grew up in and around Maryland. Right now, we live on both sides of the Chesapeake Bay, and we are committed to producing a full line of fine spirits, including Sloop Betty, using Maryland grown ingredients. For the past five years we have been learning everything we can about craft distilling, the history of local spirits production and ways to introduce this product in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

 

Why Vodka?

So, we hate to do this to you, but we're going to have to reference that history lesson again. Because of Prohibition, Americans produced alcohol on the down low (that's why we love Americans!) and the easiest kind of spirits to produce were white spirits, like vodka. White spirits were also the easiest to mix, and the easiest to hide.
We can also dispel the myth that vodka is made only from potatoes. Vodka can also be distilled from wheat and rye or sugar cane, creating a smoother, richer texture than other ingredients. Since wheat is plentiful in the state of Maryland, it's great way for us to launch a spirit to market.

 

So where did the name Sloop Betty come from?

Sloop Betty was an historic ship that sailed the Chesapeake Bay. The name appealed to us because of our love of Maryland's history, as well as her amazing location right on the ocean and Bay. We are committed to protecting the environment, which is why we use organic products and focus on sustainable agriculture.

 

Why the hot girl?

You seriously did not just ask us that. We wanted our first product to have a real personality and be memorable.

 

Want to know more?

Email us at info@sloopbetty.com and let us know any questions you have. We'll get back to you as soon as possible. Or you can join the conversation on Twitter, @SloopBetty. You should also "Like" us on Facebook (and in your martini glass).