There is something special about discovering a bottle with a story behind it. From handcrafted tequila to locally distilled spirits and innovative mixers, today's home bar can be as much about the people and craftsmanship behind the label as what is poured into the glass.
For Potomac-area hosts, these local and emerging makers offer distinctive flavors and meaningful stories that turn each pour into a conversation starter.
Grande Guapo Handcrafted Tequila
For Cole Higgison, a Bethesda native and Potomac resident, tequila is a personal journey shaped by years in hospitality and a pursuit of authenticity. After 15 years in the industry, including time at Old Ebbitt Grill and Blackfinn in D.C., Higgison set out to create an additive-free, 100% Blue Weber agave tequila. His search took him to Jalisco, Mexico, where he visited roughly 50 distilleries before partnering with fourth-generation Maestro Tequilero Jesus Correa in Amatitán.
Grande Guapo launched in Montgomery County in August 2025, despite an early shipment lost when the delivery truck crashed and was looted. Higgison reinvested and moved forward.
The portfolio now includes Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo, a tequila-based Coffee Liqueur and Mezcal Artesanal. Bottles are hand-labeled by women in Amatitán, with a portion of proceeds supporting charities benefiting local mothers.
For More Information: grandeguapo.com
Song Dog Farm Distillery
For David Harris and Megan Draheim, spirits begin with the land. The husband-and-wife team founded Song Dog in 2015 and opened to the public in October 2025, located between Boyds and Poolesville in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve. All corn and rye, including heirloom red corn and specialty rye, is grown locally.
Harris entered distilling after 20 years in politics; Draheim brought a background as a conservation ecologist. The portfolio includes bourbon and rye whiskeys, Rock & Rye, gin, vodka, Laughing Fox coffee liqueur and a collection of amaros. Its straight rye whiskey earned gold at the American Craft Spirits Association competition.
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.
For More Information: songdogdistilling.com | Instagram: @songdogdistilling
3708 Spirits
A celebration among three friends sparked 3708 Spirits, a Maryland-crafted American agave brand founded in 2022 by Dr. Mitchell Linton, Tony Ajayi and Zachary Spence Jr. Their philosophy, "Everyone Deserves Luxury," reflects a belief that luxury is about quality and intentionality while remaining approachable.
The name tells their story: 3 for the founders, 7 for the pursuit of perfect taste, 0 for building from the ground up, and 8 for a new beginning. The portfolio includes 3708 Silver and 3708 Gold, made with Blue Weber agave and double distilled with no additives. 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.
For More Information: 3708spirits.com | Instagram: @3708spirits
From Maryland-made spirits to handcrafted tequila, there are plenty of ways to refresh the modern home bar. Start with bottles you enjoy, add something local, and leave room for discovery. The best collections are the ones with a story behind every pour.