The upcoming opening of Sangfroid Distilling has brought new attention to the Route 1 corridor renaissance.
As the locally owned brandy and gin distillery prepares to open its doors next month at 5130 Baltimore Ave in Hyattsville, D.C. area news outlets have written about it, in part because it would be the first distillery in Prince George’s County since Prohibition, nearly 100 years ago.
It’s part of a broader comeback for spirits in Maryland, which was known for its rye whiskey and rum during colonial times and was the fifth-highest producer of alcohol before Prohibition.
Already, WTOP, WAMU, the Prince George’s Sentinel, the Washington Business Journal, Eater D.C. and DCist have taken note of the new distillery, and more stories should be coming once it officially opens.
This kind of attention is good news for Sangfroid as well as some nearby businesses, especially Vigilante Coffee, Streetcar 82 Brewing Co., Franklins, Pizzeria Paradiso, Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, Maryland Meadworks and Tanglewood Works, since D.C. residents who make the trek to Hyattsville to sample pear brandy are likely to stick around for other activities.
Tanglewood Works owner Sue Older-Mondeel told the Hyattsville Wire recently that for her and other businesses in Hyattsville to really take off, they’ll need that kind of D.C. foot traffic.
The area already has the critical mass to make a fun afternoon for a visitor, and the lure of a new distillery seems like it’s going to be a draw.
