TLDR: Fun rum focused distillery with creative cocktails and a quirky themed interior. Great stop during a Frederick bar crawl. Stopped into True Standard Distilling during the Frederick St. Patty's Day bar crawl and the place was absolutely buzzing all day. As a rum distillery, everything on the cocktail menu leans rum which makes things interesting, especially when they remix classics that usually feature other spirits. I tried their take on a negroni and it was surprisingly really well done. It kept that familiar bitter and balanced profile but with a unique rum twist that made it stand out. The interior was unexpected but in a good way. They were still fully committed to a Valentine's Day theme with pink everywhere and a massive faux chocolate candy wall right when you walk in. It honestly felt like stepping into a mini Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, which added a fun and memorable touch. Despite the crowd, service was quick and efficient. The bartenders clearly knew what they were doing and kept drinks moving without sacrificing quality. Overall, this is a great, high-energy stop if you're spending the day drinking your way around Frederick. Definitely worth popping into, especially if you want something a little different from the usual beer spots. read more

True Standard Distilling - negroni - Bars Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

I was excited to visit this venue and the Holiday Christmas decorations before they were taken down by 1/11th. The place seemed a little smaller then what was seen in pictures, however the Decor did not disappoint- very festive with glistening balls on the ceiling, a Santa in the corner adjacent to distillery drums, packages wrapped on the wall, etc. My friend and I got one of the last seats available- the place is really popular and had lines prior to Sunday. There really wasn't a food option but could be ordered and delivered. I opted for a rum apple beverage and we got the Cocktail flight. Of these-zombie, Mai Tai, Painkiller, Puffer Fish and MAC-Nut Chi Chi the latter was my favorite. Mac-nut Liqueur, pineapple and Coconut (contains nuts) very tasty- even tho it said "summer" Vodka- very refreshing for Winter. Highly recommend- a little pricey but fun vibe; even some beverage containers e.g., Santa's boot were available for purchase. The owners's influence was a trip to Puerto Rico and I can relate! Check out their story and website! read more

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True Standard Distilling has quickly become one of our favorite spots in Frederick, MD. We've been many times since they opened and always look forward to going back. The space is absolutely gorgeous, with an ambiance that feels both elevated and inviting. Every detail is so thoughtfully considered, creating an experience that feels special from the moment you walk in. The rum is incredible--smooth, flavorful, and clearly crafted with care. The vodka is equally impressive, and their cocktails are consistently top-notch. The staff deserves every bit of praise and more. The bartenders and team members are welcoming, fun, and genuinely accommodating. They've been working incredibly hard throughout the holiday season, even with the nonstop pace, they greet every guest with warmth, upbeat energy, and big smiles. Their attitude and professionalism are a huge part of what makes this place shine. Their Christmas pop-up is absolutely mind-blowing! Beautifully festive, immersive, and unbelievably fun. Honestly, how can you not be in the Christmas spirit the moment you step into this winter wonderland? True Standard Distilling has set a new bar for local craft experiences. read more

Stopped by for an after lunch cocktail. The bar was still set up in holiday decorations. Our bartender was very helpful offering drink suggestions. My wife got a rum old fashioned with peppermint syrup. I tried a cocktail flight. A few were a little sweet but all tasty. read more

True Standard Distilling - Bars Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

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Ok.. First, we had to wait outside in the freezing cold for about 30 minutes because it was so packed inside. We were hoping it was worth it and boy was it! If they would have doubled the area, I have no doubt it would still have been full. The decorations were amazing! It felt so festive and bright! The mocktails and cocktails were all holiday-themed. No complaints at all really because once you get in, you forget about the wait! Highly recommend this place anytime! read more

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Amazing deals and great mixed drinks. We love a good tiki drink and this place delivered. Only $6? Cmon. The inside is great and we were devastated we missed the Christmas overload by 2 days. Please please please visit. I want this place to stick around. Oh and check out their events on their social media. They have tons read more

I was excited to check True Standard out as one of the newer distilleries in Frederick. My sister had an event that day so we decided to continue the celebration there. The set up and ambiance was nice, with plenty of seating options. There was also parking available across the street, which is also a bonus in downtown Frederick. I shared a tasting with hubs and tried the vodka, and the runs. I selected the oxford reserve, spiced, and dark spiced. I enjoyed the dark spiced the most. It seemed to have more flavor. I wasn't a fan of the vodka in comparison to others Ive had. The gentleman at the bar, I cant remember his name, but he was amazing. He was helpful and had a great sense of humor. I did order the old fashioned, but unfortunately I couldn't drink anymore due to a migraine. Overall, I enjoyed the ambiance and set up, but as far as the rum itself, Im not sure that I am able to enjoy them. I think its a great experience for those who enjoy trying out various distilleries and should definitely give them a try. Also, most of our party seemed to enjoy the painkillers, so might be worth a try as well. read more

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The bartenders here were amazing. They were attentive and suggested drinks based on our conversations. Drinks were very good I just wish they had snacks there. You can order food from next door but something as just a snack would have been great. read more

I popped in during Maryland Wine weekend which was also their soft opening weekend and I wouldn't have known had someone not told me! The space is beautiful, the cocktails are great and the service didnt miss a beat. I love that they had people taking photos and signing a guest book to keep as a keepsake. The only thing that could have made me add that extra star is if they would have had tastings of their spirits, I would have love to taste their creations straight. read more

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The newest distillery in town making tasty rum. I came here on a soft opening night during A Maryland Wine Experience last month. They collaborated with a couple wineries to make some fun cocktails (see pics). The space is beautiful and their still is gorgeous; photo ready! Looking forward to coming back ovee the summer. I can't wait to see how their story unfolds. read more

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Awesome new spot in downtown Frederick located next to the post office! I had a rum flight and it was tasty. Ciarán was great, super friendly. The whole vibe is laid-back, and the cocktails looked amazing too. There's a small parking lot right across the street, and if that's full, there's a garage less than a 5-minute walk away. Definitely worth checking out! read more

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This was my second visit to True Standard - and just like the first time, I had a great experience. The holiday drinks are festive and delicious- all served in holiday glassware. The staff is friendly and efficient and the holiday decor makes you feel like you are in a Hallmark holiday movie! I can't wait to go back - I highly recommend! read more

True Standard Distilling - Bars Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Had the most wonderful experience... from the company I was with to the service at the door and the bar right down to the yummy drinks! It was so beautifully festive inside. I can't wait to visit again. Victoria our bartender was amazing. All staff were so friendly! Definitely visit! read more

We stopped by after some holiday shopping on a Sunday afternoon . The distillery was at capacity when we arrived, so we had to wait a few minutes but it was well worth it! The drinks were festive and delicious. The staff were attentive and helpful; the owner was making the rounds ensuring everyone was happy. Great vibe - highly recommend! read more

True Standard Distilling - Bars Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

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Extremely excited to check out this established especially since True Standard had holiday decor but overall a letdown for us. TLDR: Wait outside was long (over an hour). Drinks were watered down and their system could use a little bit of work. Don't choose to go on the weekend but try during week day to avoid the long line. Please note this review is during the holiday where their menu is curated. Drinks: We ordered a hot toddy ($12), Holly Jolly Juice ($14, signature vodka), and Mac-Nut Chi Chi. Both the hot toddy and Holly Jolly was very water down. Both drinks were over the top/special to me. I enjoyed the Mac-Nut ($14) but note that it wasn't made fresh as it was poured out of a spout. Experience and Their System: 1. We all stood in line for over an hour with about 30-40 people in front of us. We get to the front around 9pm then door is opened with someone who asks for your ID and places a red wrist band on your arm. The another guy hands us a menu and tells us "it's first come, first serve" and to "order from the middle." Cool - so we walk around to find an open spot but see two places where people are ordering drinks in the back and in the middle (but - wait... what?). 2. We do as we're told and went to the middle but let me tell you, I don't think the four bartenders behind the bar know this system. Other people are ordering from all over the place - one bartender seemed like she was making most of the mixed drinks, one bartender was going back and forth asking if everyone was okay but cleaning glasses, another bartender was walking around behind the bar but not making drinks, and last bartender who was kind of making drinks kept apologizing for forgetting drinks. After 15 minutes of waiting, we got drinks and was asked for a card (they don't swipe and give you your card back but they hold onto it at one of the two registers - not effective). 3. After getting the drinks, we stand around and realize that we're never going to find a seat/standing table which didn't really matter because we knew after 2 minutes we were not going to stay and order more drinks. We go back to the middle to close out. We stand there for about 15 more minutes. People from behind me, to the left, to the right all trying to order or close out without getting much response. Finally the male bartender makes eye contact with me and when he tries to close me out, he goes to the right register then legit takes a stack of cards and goes through 20 of them just to realize mine isn't there and walks to the left register to pull out another stack of credit cards. We finally close out and leave! Service: There seemed to be four bartenders but can't tell if there was a system because one was cleaning glasses but then made drinks sometimes (remember, we were waiting for 15 minutes before and 15 min after so there was a lot of observing). On top of the service being so slow, what was annoying was that most of the drinks were pre-made/pours so what was the hold up? Parking: Fairly decent to find free parking on the weekend in the lot and also some openings in the street. Yes, feeling cranky. Had the drinks been amazing or the service was quicker, we wouldn't have been so annoyed. Wish we got our money back or at least my time. read more

True Standard Distilling in Frederick, MD is an absolute hidden gem! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with an inviting atmosphere and top-tier hospitality. The craftsmanship behind their spirits is truly next level smooth, flavorful, and thoughtfully created with a clear passion for quality. The staff is knowledgeable and genuinely excited to share the story behind each bottle, making the whole experience personal and memorable. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and make this a must-visit. You'll leave with a new favorite bottle and they even host events. This place is also stunning inside. Every angle is a photo opportunity. read more

True Standard Distilling - Bars Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

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What didn't go well? The drinks are amazing, the service is delightful, and the decor is outstanding! Can't wait to come back.

Wandered in for the soft open after months of walking by the renovations. Always excited for a new distillery in Frederick, especially one that starts with rum and vodka instead of gin. Highly recommend the mai tai and the gimlet. The space is beautiful, and such a welcome upgrade from the defunct storage space of paul's antiques. This alley is really shaping up! read more

True Standard Distilling - Rangoon gimlet - Bars Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

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This place is adorable, and they aim to please! I'm not a big rum drinker but they have a variety of cocktails to satisfy anyone. I had a zombie and a money penny; both were delicious and not overpowering. The staff is friendly and wants you to be happy. There's no reason not to stop in and give it a try! read more