Overview: In a region renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, Song Dog Farm Distillery in Boyds, Maryland is pioneering a new era in spirit production. With its focus on locally sourced grains and commitment to terroir-driven flavors, the distillery is redefining the art of craft spirits.
The Full Story
Song Dog Farm Distillery’s story began with co-owner Megan Draheim and her husband David Harris, who shared a passion for whiskey that was sparked during their travels. The couple’s journey took them from exploring distilleries to researching the art of spirit production, which ultimately led them to create their own farm-to-table approach.
After years of planning and experimentation, Song Dog Farm Distillery opened its doors in October 2025, offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation. The distillery’s commitment to locally sourced grains has earned recognition beyond the county, with its bourbon winning a silver medal at the 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition.
The distillery’s journey was not without challenges. Initially planning to open in Rockville, their plans were derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, when Montgomery County created a farm distillery license that allowed for operations within the Agricultural Reserve, Draheim and Harris saw an opportunity to pivot and create their dream business.
Production & Profile
The production process at Song Dog Farm Distillery is meticulous, with every batch beginning with roughly 2,000 pounds of grain. The grains are milled, cooked, and fermented before being distilled into a range of spirits that showcase the distiller’s expertise.
Destillers Kristian Naslund and his team carefully select locally sourced ingredients to enhance flavor development. “The barrels we use are made from air-dried Missouri oak,” says Naslund. “Two years sitting outside is really important, allowing our whiskey to get deeper into the wood and pull out more flavor.”
Brand & Industry History
Song Dog Farm Distillery’s commitment to terroir-driven flavors has earned recognition beyond the county. The distillery’s bourbon won a silver medal at the 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition, which highlights the quality of its locally sourced grains.
The couple’s fascination with whiskey began as consumers. They visited distilleries while traveling and became increasingly interested in how spirits were made. Around 2013, they began exploring the possibility of opening their own distillery.
What This Means
Song Dog Farm Distillery’s success is a testament to the growing demand for craft spirits that showcase terroir-driven flavors. As consumers become more aware of the importance of locally sourced ingredients in spirit production, businesses like Song Dog are pioneering new approaches to traditional methods.
Consumer Takeaway
“We want people to understand that spirits have a sense of place,” says Draheim. “What’s growing here in Montgomery County can create flavors that are unique to this region.” With its commitment to locally sourced grains and terroir-driven flavors, Song Dog Farm Distillery is redefining the art of craft spirits production.
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