Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-02

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

TaxesVeteransAgriculture

Context

On 2026-02-02, Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD-5) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING ST. MARY'S COUNTY'S TOBACCO BARN DISTILLERY" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered veterans affairs, agriculture. It referenced legislation: S2025.

Full Text

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

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026) [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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HONORING ST. MARY'S COUNTY'S TOBACCO BARN DISTILLERY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026) [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. ____________________