That “X” stands for “10,” as in Tenth Ward Distilling Company, at 508 East Church Street, just a
few blocks beyond Everedy Square and Shab Row shopping districts in Frederick.
Inside the small, white, unassuming building that Tenth Ward occupies you’ll find a variety of
distilled spirits for sale (as well as candles, shirts and other related paraphernalia). A free tasting
and tour are always at the ready, and so is an impromptu history lesson.
Owners Monica Pearce and Kyle Pfalzer chose Tenth Ward’s name, logo, and even the bottles
their spirits are sold in with great care and deference to history. Kyle, the distiller, is a student
of Civil War and 19th Century American history, and works as a licensed battlefield guide at
Gettysburg National Military Park when he’s not brewing or distilling. Monica grew up in the area
and trained in environmental sustainability before a passion for handcrafted liquor came calling.