Baltimore’s Old Line Spirits is getting into something new via its Flagship 95 American Single Malt and a Navy Strength 114 American Single Malt.
The new Flagship 95 is an blend of American Single Malt whiskeys aged between 4 and 6 years — or more — and aged in new, #4 char, 53-gallon barrels. At 95 proof, this replaces Old Line’s previous 86 proof expression.
The higher-proof Navy Strength, also a blend of 4- and 6-year-old American Single Malt barrels, will be offered at 114 proof, slightly lower than the previous cask strength offering. The slightly lower proof allows the whiskey to open up, showcasing the best of its constituent flavors of vanilla, cocoa, and dried fruit.
Founded by former Navy aviators Mark McLaughlin and Arch Watkins, Old Line opened in 2017 with a focus on American Single Malt Whiskey. These updated expressions mark a milestone in the distillery’s history. All of Old Line Spirits’ American Single Malts are distilled with 100% malted barley.
“In the U.S. Navy, new vessels undergo years of development, construction and sea trials before being commissioned to the fleet,” said Old Line Spirits Co-Founder Mark McLaughlin. “Producing world-class whiskey is very similar — it takes patience, experience, refinement and continual improvement.”
The distillery’s American Single Malt offerings will also expand to include a Single Barrel offering at full proof. Limited editions will continue to include a Bottled-in-Bond and a Double Oak Series.
While the founders are excited to continue growing the distillery’s American Single Malt program, the transition does mark a change in production. “We have the bittersweet duty of decommissioning our legacy whiskey profile, aged in 30-gallon barrels, that has served us so well since our opening in 2017,” McLaughlin said. “These barrels have helped us produce one of the finest American Single Malt whiskeys on the market, and we raise our glasses and say Bravo Zulu for a job very well done!”
The new lineup officially launched at the Old Line distillery in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore. Starting Saturday (April 1), the 86 proof and cask strength American Single Malts will be phased out over the spring season while the Flagship 95 and Navy Strength offerings are phased in.
Old Line’s Flagship 95 American Single Malt will be $44.99, while its Navy Strength at 114 will be $54.99.
