Cotton & Reed
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Category: Distilleries, Rum Bars, Cocktail Bars
Neighborhood: NoMa
Price:
Address: 1330 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States
✨ Vibe
A "sophisticated salvaged" sanctuary in NoMa that masterfully blends industrial-chic architecture with lush greenery, natural light, and the aromatic charm of an active distillery.
🍸 Best For
Rum enthusiasts, experimental cocktail lovers, casual group hangouts, and spirited private celebrations.
🔥 Highlights
- Ballpark Presence: As the District's first rum distillery, this local powerhouse recently joined the 2025 concessions lineup at Nationals Park (Section 109), where they serve their signature tropical cocktails to baseball fans.
- Expert Tastings & Flights: Dive deep into their craft with guided rum flights or an educational distillery tour that highlights their unique production process and "all rum, all the time" philosophy.
- Award-Winning Design: The 3,250-square-foot tasting room, designed by CORE architecture + design, features a dramatic central still and plenty of sleek bar and counter seating for a perfect urban happy hour.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- While the bar focuses on world-class spirits and lacks a kitchen, they are incredibly "outside food" friendly—perfect for pairing your rum slushie with a meal from nearby Union Market.
- Private event bookings are available for everything from birthdays to wedding receptions, typically requiring 2-3 days' notice for inquiries.
📅 Upcoming Events & Specials
No upcoming one-off events listed yet — use Add an event above if you know of one.
🔄 Weekly Events
🦂 Annual Solera Scorpio Rum Release
An annual anniversary celebration and limited bottle release where a portion of rum is harvested from the distillery's three-tier solera aging system (Bourbon, PX Sherry, and Armagnac casks) and bottled at cask strength.
🥃 Cotton & Reed Distillery Tours
Learn the art and science of rum production. Each ticket includes a 45-minute tour, a rum flight, and a draft cocktail. Participants must be 21+ with a valid ID.
🥃 Distillery Tours: The Art & Science of Rum
Learn the art and science of rum-making at DC's first rum distillery. Each ticket includes a 45-minute guided tour, a flight of Cotton & Reed rums, and a draft cocktail. Participants must be 21+ with a valid physical ID.
Annual Solera Scorpio Release 🦂
Every November, the distillery celebrates its anniversary by harvesting and bottling a limited run of rum from their three-tier solera aging system (Bourbon, PX Sherry, and Armagnac casks).
📰 In the News
Cotton & Reed expands Mid-Atlantic presence
Cotton & Reed is expanding its distribution and brand footprint throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The Washington, D.C.-based rum distillery's growth marks a significant milestone in its regional market presence.
Your Guide to Eating and Drinking Inside Nationals Park
Cotton & Reed offers its signature craft rum cocktails at Nationals Park, providing a local spirits option for fans during the baseball season. The distillery's stadium presence is featured as a key highlight within this guide to the park's food and beverage offerings.
7 Award-Winning Rums Under $50 That Taste Like They Cost Hundreds
Cotton & Reed is recognized for producing award-winning rums that deliver a premium, high-end flavor profile at an accessible price point under $50. The Washington D.C. distillery is highlighted for its ability to create spirits that rival the quality of bottles costing significantly more.
Cotton & Reed Partners with Prestige-Ledroit Distributing Co to Expand Mid-Atlantic Presence
Cotton & Reed, Washington, D.C.’s first rum distillery, has launched a strategic partnership with Prestige-Ledroit Distributing Co to expand its footprint across the Mid-Atlantic region. This collaboration increases the availability of the distillery's full line of award-winning rums and canned cocktails at bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout D.C., Maryland, and Delaware.
Cotton & Reed
Cotton & Reed is Washington D.C.’s first rum distillery, featuring a 3,250-square-foot space in the Union Market neighborhood that combines industrial processing and tasting areas. Designed with a 'sophisticated salvaged' aesthetic, the venue highlights its distillery operations with a dramatic central still and connects to the community through an indoor/outdoor bar.
Recent Reviews from Google
The staff and vibes here are amazing. They do allow outside food as they do not have a kitchen. I would recommend the rum tasting, Russell was a great host and full of conversation. Im glad we made...
We hosted a private party here in March for the ten-year anniversary of my nonprofit and were initially excited to support a local business- especially since it’s the first rum distillery in the...
This place was amazing! Delicious rum and great cocktails! Beautiful space too
All rum all the time. A (tourable) distillery with a small bar area that serves all varieties of rum-based cocktails, flights, and even slushies. Solid service, and enough bar seating and wall counter...
Meh. Good drinks but experience was soured by their poor response to the QR code ordering system issue, not enabling the option to adjust tip at checkout. In other words, if you add tips while adding...
