Baltimore Whiskey Distillery Will Be Open In Less Than A Year

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A new Baltimore-based whiskey company broke ground in Port Covington Wednesday. Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank announced a new business venture to revitalize the city.

Tracey Leong has more.

In less than a year, south Baltimore will be home to a five-acre whiskey distillery.

The Port Covington peninsula is getting an extreme makeover.

Sagamore Spirit, a Baltimore-based whiskey company, is pouring in a new venture.

"What better way than whiskey to make it cool at some level?" Plank said.

Plank is now exploring a different avenue to re-energize and boost economic growth in the city.

"This is Baltimore's front porch and our job and our mission is making this porch as fine and second to none as any destination in the country in the world," Plank said.

Sagamore Spirit will be one of the first projects in redeveloping the area. Utilizing the south Baltimore waterfront, the distillery will spread across five acres. It's hoping to entertain more than 100,000 visitors every year---not only with their distillery but their restaurant and other attractions, as well.

"A vision that will not only be an economic generator for Maryland but also play a pivotal role to revitalize this great city," said Governor Larry Hogan.

State and city officials recognize another Baltimore brand contributing to the city's success, as well as revamping a proud tradition of distilling spirits.

"Resurrecting the rye whiskey of our city is just tapping into our spirit," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

The Sagamore Spirit Distillery expects to open its doors for tours and tastings at the start of 2016. It also plans to have their rye whiskey on shelves next year.