For the past 70 years, the department of Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has withstood the test of time, proudly servicing thousands of local businesses throughout Montgomery County and welcoming millions of shoppers into its retail stores. To the restaurants, hotels, bars, golf courses, independent beer and wine shops, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and so many others -- thank-you for allowing ABS to serve you. To each and every shopper that has come through the doors, thank-you for your loyalty and for continually choosing the shop with ABS. To the entire Montgomery County community -- ABS is honored and humbled by your support and is eagerly looking toward the future.
In 1933, at the end of Prohibition, the County Liquor Board was formed to uphold alcohol laws and on July 1, 1951 the Department of Liquor Control was created. Over the coming decades the department grew, weathered storms, and transformed into the entity it is today. This was never more evident than in 2019, when the department officially changed its name to ABS to better showcase its commitment to customer service and highlight the full breadth of alcohol products it offers. Today, the department is stronger and more focused than ever before.
CELEBRATE WITH US
Together We Can embodies the spirit that flows through ABS. This 70th Anniversary Cold IPA is brewed cool with a lager yeast but dry hopped like an IPA. Crisp, hoppy and drinkable, it celebrates the importance of community and the notion of always moving forward while learning from the past. At ABS, we know that together, we can do anything! Click here for pricing and store availability.
At Old Line Spirits they often say, "bold stories deserve bold whiskies". This is exactly why ABS has selected two custom Old Line whiskies to celebrate the dedicated, longtime employees that make ABS what it is today. Old Line American Single Malt Whiskey Cask Strength Private Barrel – Pat’s Pick and Old Line American Single Malt Whiskey Cask Strength Private Barrel – Perennial Pick are custom barrel selections that honor ABS employees with 30 or more years of service. Both selections will be available in ABS retail stores on July 7, 2021.
Tasting Notes
Pat’s Pick: This barrel has a lot of notes that are reminiscent of a well-aged bourbon but with a rich, malty base that really anchors it in the single malt realm. Caramel and vanilla on the nose lead into wonderful baking spice notes on the palate with some ripe stone fruit notes (these accentuate as the whiskey breathes) and a flavors of caramel. Really nice balance of sweetness and tannins. Pricing and store availability coming soon.
Perennial Pick: This barrel trends close to Old Line’s flagship flavor profile butwith some really nice stand out notes that make single barrel picks so fun. As always, caramel and vanilla lead the way with really nice biscuity and toffee notes right behind. Dried dates and fig tie it all together. Pricing and store availability coming soon.
Both picks have a medium finish and, in our humble opinion, they drink a good 10 points below their proof -- meaning they are approachable for the 120+ proof.
MORE ABOUT US
ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine and spirits for Montgomery County and is made up of more than 400 employees, all of whom contribute to the department's success. In addition, the department operates 25 beer, wine, and spirits stores and one spirits-only store in Poolesville, and manages alcohol licensing, enforcement, and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Generating nearly $300 million in net income over the past 10 years, ABS profits are used to pay down County debt with a large portion deposited in the County general fund to pay for resident services that would otherwise be funded by tax dollars.
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Celebrating 70 years of public service, growth, and innovation. Thank you for supporting us throughout the years -- we would not be here without you, and we hope that you will celebrate alongside us!
Video and photos taken prior to the Covid-19 crisis