Republic Restoratives Purpose Rye
This single-barrel rye whiskey from DC’s only women-owned distillery has sweet, smoky flavors. Ten percent of sales goes to Fair Fight, which advocates for free and fair elections. $69; republicrestoratives.com.
Cotton & Reed PX Dark
This dark rum with notes of dried fig and plum is aged in American oak for 18 months, finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry–seasoned casks, and blended with a bit of molasses. Try it in a Dark and Stormy. $40; cottonandreed.com.
Mt. Defiance Anejo Agave Spirit
Don’t call it tequila, because it’s not made in Mexico, but this Middleburg distillery’s latest spirit is made from imported agave nectar aged for at least a year in rum barrels. The result: a silky, tequila-like product that carries whiffs of lemon, rum, and wood. $43.99; mtdefiance.com.
Photographs of bottles courtesy of companies
Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.
