Meet our member, Tenth Ward Distilling Company. Tenth Ward is proud to be woman-owned. They are located in what used to be the Tenth Ward of Frederick City. Specializing in a variety of year-round spirits and canned cocktails, everything they make is non-traditional and unconventional, which is why they live fearlessly by their slogan – #wardoffordinary.
An interview with Monica Pearce, owner.
How did Tenth Ward get its start?
I started my career in the conservation biology field with an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park and an Executive Master’s in Natural Resources from Virginia Tech. Additionally I have over 20 years experience in the service and hospitality industry and 10 plus years experience with marketing, branding and strategic planning.
I eventually moved back to my hometown of Frederick, MD where I founded Tenth Ward Distilling Company in July of 2016. I have grown the business from a tasting room and distillery at 1600 square feet and virtually no employees to an expanded cocktail bar and tasting room, private event venue and production facility with a combined square footage of 20,000. Since having started the business, I now sit as VP on the board of the Maryland Distillers Guild, am a member of the Frederick Tourism Council Board of Directors and recently graduated from the James Beard Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Program.
What do you like most about being a business owner in Frederick?
I love and appreciate the support I receive from all facets. Customers, residents, non-profits, governmental organizations, fellow businesses, etc. Everyone sees that value in what we do and in our industry and wants to be a part of it.
What makes Tenth Ward unique? Is there a favorite cocktail you make?
We specialize in unconventional spirits and products. Guests can visit our Cocktail Lab and likely taste something they’ve never had before or sip on an elevated cocktail. The Jalapeno Margarita is everyone’s fav!
What do you want Tenth Ward to be known for?
We want to be known for being a part of our community! We’ve renovated a historic building, we host local events, support local industry and agriculture, generate tourism, create jobs, and contribute to the economy. We are members of and participate in chamber events, rotary community events, tourism events and major festivals. We donate to as many local fundraisers as we can and have held our own fundraisers to support minority owned businesses and the LGBTQ community.
What promotions or new and exciting things are happening at Tenth Ward?
We recently launched a canned cocktail club that mirrors our bottle club. Both clubs are super fun, offer exclusive member-only releases and are free to join! More info here – https://www.tenthwarddistilling.com/clubs/
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.