Spirits of Maryland: Southern Maryland 2026

Hosted inside the PAX River Naval Air Museum, this one-of-a-kind experience pairs local spirits with local history, featuring award-winning whiskeys, rums, vodkas, gins, and more — all made right here in Maryland.

Start your day with Whiskey University’s educational seminar, Maryland’s Whiskey Legacy. From 12:00–1:00 pm, attendees will explore the state’s historic role in shaping America’s whiskey industry and discover how Maryland’s distillers are fueling a modern revival.

Then, enjoy one of two tasting sessions:

Early Session: 1:00–3:00 pm

• VIP Access: 1:00–1:30 pm
• General Admission: 1:30–3:00 pm

Late Session: 3:30–5:30 pm

• VIP Access: 3:30–4:00 pm
• General Admission: 4:00–5:30 pm

VIP guests enjoy early entry and additional time to meet the makers. Complimentary snacks will be provided for all guests, and bottles from attending distilleries will be available for purchase.

$5 Non-Drinker Tickets are available for designated drivers and guests who wish to shop or enjoy the atmosphere without sampling spirits.

The following lodging partners are proud to offer exclusive event rates for Spirits of Maryland attendees, making it easy to turn your tasting experience into a relaxing getaway. Extend your stay to explore nearby attractions like Solomons Island’s scenic waterfront, historic St. Mary’s City, and the Chesapeake Bay’s vibrant dining scene.

Hampton Inn Lexington Park

• Rate: $119.00/night, plus taxes & fees
• To book with Hampton Inn Lexington Park, CLICK HERE.
• Event pricing available for Januuary 30 & 31, 2026 bookings. Reservations must be made by December 31, 2025.
  

Home2 Suites by Hilton Lexington Park Patuxent NAS

• Rate: $129.00/night, plus taxes & fees
• To book with Home2 Suites by Hilton Lexington Park Patuxent NAS, CLICK HERE.
• Event pricing available for Januuary 30 & 31, 2026 bookings. Reservations must be made by January 15, 2026.
  

The Inn at Leonardtown, an Ascend Collection Hotel

• Rate: $135.00/night, plus taxes & fees
• To book with the Inn at Leonardtown, CLICK HERE.
• Event pricing available for Januuary 30 & 31, 2026 bookings. Reservations must be made by December 31, 2025.
  

LaQuinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lexington Park - Patuxent

• Rate: $89.00/night, plus taxes & fees
• To book with LaQuinta Inn & Suites, CLICK HERE.
• Event pricing available for Januuary 31, 2026 bookings. Reservations must be made by December 31, 2025.
  

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Lexington Park Patuxent River Naval Air Station

• Rate: $124.00/night, plus taxes & fees
• To book with TownePlace Suites by Marriott Lexington Park Patuxent River Naval Air Station, CLICK HERE.
• Event pricing available for Januuary 30 & 31, 2026 bookings. Reservations must be made by December 31, 2025.

This event is hosted by the PAX River Naval Air Museum and made possible through partnerships between the Maryland Distillers Guild, Visit St. Mary’s County, and the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce.

Info: Whiskey U offers an interactive and engaging look at how Maryland spirits are crafted, giving guests a chance to learn from experts and deepen their appreciation with every sip.

Info: VIP sessions offer early entry, giving passholders a half-hour of exclusive sampling before general admission. Guests can explore rare, limited, and exclusive spirits, enjoy unhurried conversations with distillers, and savor each sample in a relaxed setting. Bottles are available for purchase to stock your home bar. This early access provides a deeper appreciation of Maryland spirits and sets the tone for a memorable tasting experience. General Admission will join this session at 1:30 PM.

Info: General Admission invites guests to experience the full Spirits of Maryland tasting event. Passholders can explore a wide variety of Maryland-crafted spirits, including whiskeys, gins, vodkas, and more. Attendees can sample favorites, discover new releases, and engage with distillers to learn about their craft. Bottles are available for purchase to bring the experience home. This accessible experience is perfect for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers, offering a lively, educational, and flavorful journey through Maryland’s vibrant distilling scene.

Info: VIP sessions offer early entry, giving passholders a half-hour of exclusive sampling before general admission. Guests can explore rare, limited, and exclusive spirits, enjoy unhurried conversations with distillers, and savor each sample in a relaxed setting. Bottles are available for purchase to stock your home bar. This early access provides a deeper appreciation of Maryland spirits and sets the tone for a memorable tasting experience. General Admission will join this session at 4:00 PM.

Info: General Admission invites guests to experience the full Spirits of Maryland tasting event. Passholders can explore a wide variety of Maryland-crafted spirits, including whiskeys, gins, vodkas, and more. Attendees can sample favorites, discover new releases, and engage with distillers to learn about their craft. Bottles are available for purchase to bring the experience home. This accessible experience is perfect for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers, offering a lively, educational, and flavorful journey through Maryland’s vibrant distilling scene.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, 22156 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App