BRUNSWICK, Md., July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than a century, the building at 402 5th Avenue has been a place where Brunswick residents worked, created, and built their community. Over the years it has served as a clothing factory, an umbrella factory, and a woodworking shop amongst other things. Now it begins a new chapter as the home of Puerto Rico Distillery. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit the Cultura Plenera Cultural Center which opened in the building earlier this year.
"When looking where to relocate our distillery in Frederick, we were drawn to this building because it already had a story. For more than a hundred years it had been a place where people came to work, create, and build a future. We are honored to continue that tradition by combining efforts with Cultura Plenera to create spaces where people can experience Puerto Rican culture.
And we got lucky that Brunswick has a dynamic group of people inBrunswick Main StreetandBrunswick Planning & Zoningthat have been instrumental in our ability to reach this milestone." Angel Rivera
Visitors to the building will discover much more than handcrafted spirits. The Rivera family envisions the historic building as a welcoming gathering place where guests can learn about the history of Puerto Rican rum, experience traditional distilling methods, enjoy educational tastings, celebrate Puerto Rican music and culture, and connect through the warmth and hospitality that define the Island.
This summer, father-and-daughter team Angel and Crystal Rivera celebrate the opening of Puerto Rico Distillery's new home with the release of Clandestino Añejo. Only 218 individually numbered bottles were produced from a single bourbon whiskey barrel, making Clandestino Añejo the most exclusive release in the distillery's history. Founder supporters received first access starting on July 24, 2026, with the remaining bottles available to the public on August 1, 2026.
This release marks the first time Puerto Rico Distillery has aged its pitorro (Puerto Rican moonshine rum) in a bourbon whiskey barrel, creating a unique and distinctive expression that honors Puerto Rico's rich rum-making heritage while showcasing the innovation and craftsmanship of Maryland's growing craft spirits industry.
"For our family, this has never been just about making rum," said Angel Rivera. "It's about preserving traditions, honoring where we come from, and creating a place where people can experience a piece of Puerto Rico right here in Maryland."
The opening of Puerto Rico Distillery's new home marks more than a business expansion, it represents the next chapter in the life of one of Brunswick's historic buildings. When Puerto Rico Distillery opens its doors to visitors this fall, the Rivera family invites the community to experience an exceptional limited-edition spirit and everything that is wonderful about Puerto Rican culture.
Release Information
Product: Clandestino Añejo
Founder Release: July 26, 2026
Public Release: August 1, 2026
Price: $75
Production: 218 bottles produced from a single bourbon whiskey barrel
Puerto Rico Distillery is a family-owned craft distillery in Brunswick, Maryland, founded by father-and-daughter team Angel and Crystal Rivera. Inspired by Puerto Rico's moonshine tradition, the distillery crafts spirits that celebrate the Island's heritage while offering an immersive cultural experience. Housed in a restored century-old landmark, Puerto Rico Distillery embodies the belief that preserving culture and preserving history go hand in hand.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
View original content to download multimedia:
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.