[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E91]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING ST. MARY'S COUNTY'S TOBACCO BARN DISTILLERY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 2, 2026

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the founders of the 
Tobacco Barn Distillery in my district: Dan Dawson, Sean Coogan, and 
Scott Sanders. Their Maryland Bourbon Cream recently placed first in 
the Nation in the American Craft Spirits Association's 2025 ``Beyond 
Bourbon'' category.
  Since its founding as the first licensed distillery in St. Mary's 
County back in 2014, the Tobacco Barn Distillery has been an 
institution in our community. Dan, Sean, and Scott transformed their 
former tobacco farm into a true ``dirt to bottle'' distillery, growing 
the corn that goes into their bourbons themselves. From the start, 
three principles have guided their enterprise. First, they maintain a 
high standard of excellence for their product, ensuring that every 
bottle of their spirits exceeds expectations. Second, they are 
committed to caring for the land and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 
Accordingly, they practice ``no till'' farming, applying minimal 
fertilizer, and recycle 100 percent of their cooling water. They are 
even members of the Maryland Green Registry. Third, they pride 
themselves on being community oriented and community driven, believing 
that their success is linked to the success of the people and local 
businesses around them. I also ought to note, Mr. Speaker, that the 
Tobacco Barn Distillery is a Veteran-owned business and a strong 
supporter of numerous charities benefiting our Veterans.
  I don't drink, but I'm told their product is as good as their values. 
No wonder the Tobacco Barn Distillery has earned national recognition. 
In addition to its recent award, it was named America's number 1 
``Farmer-Distiller'' by the American Craft Spirits Association in 2023 
and 2024.
  Mr. Speaker, I have long championed my Make It In America agenda. The 
only thing better than making it in America is making it in Maryland. 
The Tobacco Barn Distillery is a paragon of that principle. Dan, Sean, 
and Scott continue a rich, centuries-old tradition of distilling in our 
state. They carry on the legacy of Hayden, Willett, Mattingly, Dant, 
and Wathen, who all got their start in Maryland before building up the 
bourbon industry in Kentucky.
  Mr. Speaker, Dan, Sean, and Scott do our county and our state proud. 
I ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking them for giving back to 
their community and in congratulating them on this recent, well-
deserved award.

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