Overview: Emerging producers in Montgomery County and Jalisco are redefining the home bar experience through a focus on local ingredients and artisanal craftsmanship. From handcrafted tequila to locally distilled spirits, these brands emphasize the people behind the label alongside distinctive flavors.
The Full Story
Cole Higgison, a Bethesda native and Potomac resident, established Grande Guapo Handcrafted Tequila after fifteen years in hospitality. His background includes tenure at Old Ebbitt Grill and Blackfinn in D.C., leading to a pursuit of authenticity with an additive-free, 100% Blue Weber agave tequila. Following a shipment loss involving a delivery truck crash and looting, Higgison reinvested and moved forward with the brand’s launch in Montgomery County in August 2025.
Song Dog Farm Distillery was founded in 2015 by David Harris and Megan Draheim. The husband-and-wife team opened to the public in October 2025, situated between Boyds and Poolesville in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve. Harris entered distilling after twenty years in politics, while Draheim brought a background as a conservation ecologist. Their portfolio includes bourbon and rye whiskeys, Rock & Rye, gin, vodka, Laughing Fox coffee liqueur and a collection of amaros.
3708 Spirits was founded in 2022 by Dr. Mitchell Linton, Tony Ajayi and Zachary Spence Jr. The Maryland-crafted American agave brand operates under the philosophy “Everyone Deserves Luxury,” reflecting a belief that luxury is about quality and intentionality while remaining approachable. The name signifies three founders, seven for the pursuit of perfect taste, zero for building from the ground up, and eight for a new beginning.
Production & Profile
Grande Guapo offers Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo, a tequila-based Coffee Liqueur and Mezcal Artesanal. The production process utilizes 100% Blue Weber agave with no additives. Bottles are hand-labeled by women in Amatitán, with a portion of proceeds supporting charities benefiting local mothers.
Song Dog Farm Distillery sources all corn and rye locally, including heirloom red corn and specialty rye grown on the farm. The straight rye whiskey earned gold at the American Craft Spirits Association competition. 3708 Spirits produces Silver and Gold varieties made with Blue Weber agave and double distilled with no additives.
Brand & Industry History
The founders of these brands bring diverse backgrounds to their respective operations. Song Dog Farm Distillery was founded in 2015, while Grande Guapo launched in August 2025 following a shipment loss. 3708 Spirits was established in 2022 by Dr. Mitchell Linton, Tony Ajayi and Zachary Spence Jr. The name “Song Dog” refers to coyotes, which Draheim studied through her work in human-wildlife conflict, and which still live on the farm, fitting symbols of adaptability and persistence.
What This Means
The resilience and recognition of these makers highlight a shift toward local sourcing and artisanal integrity. Song Dog Farm Distillery’s straight rye whiskey earned gold at the American Craft Spirits Association competition. In 2025, 3708 won first place at the University of Maryland Dingman Center Entrepreneurship Competition, plus silver and bronze at the L.A. Spirits Awards.
Consumer Takeaway
For the modern home bar, these releases offer distinctive flavors and meaningful stories that turn each pour into a conversation starter. The collections feature locally grown ingredients, hand-labeled bottles supporting charities for local mothers, and a focus on quality and intentionality. Start with bottles you enjoy, add something local, and leave room for discovery.
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