Founded in Bristol in 2010 by Herman Mihalich and John Cooper, Dad’s Hat Rye distills and bottles small-batch Pennsylvania rye whiskey. The company brought rye production back to Pennsylvania after a long absence, drawing on Mihalich’s family tavern heritage and more than 200 years of regional distilling tradition. Its farm-to-bottle process uses locally sourced grain, recycles spent mash for livestock feed, and combines a traditional pot still with careful barrel aging.
Ponfeigh DistilleryFounded by Maximilian Merrill in Somerset County, Ponfeigh Distillery makes rye whiskey rooted in Western Pennsylvania’s historic whiskey tradition. Its signature Westsylvania Rye draws on a region the company describes as the birthplace of American rye whiskey, while the distillery’s tasting room, tours, and barrel programs connect its spirits to the Merrill family’s longstanding ties to the area.SOMERSET, PA
Eight Oaks Farm DistilleryFamily-run since day one, Eight Oaks Farm Distillery grew from a Lehigh Valley farming tradition into a gathering place where the family’s connection to the land shapes its spirits. The distillery grows its own grain, follows regenerative farming practices, and welcomes the surrounding community to its farm tasting room. Its Pennsylvania rye whiskey reflects that farm-to-glass approach.NEW TRIPOLI, PA
Wigle WhiskeyIn Pittsburgh’s Strip District, Wigle Whiskey revives Western Pennsylvania’s whiskey tradition as a true grain-to-glass distillery, milling 100% local grains on site and hand-producing small-batch spirits in copper pot stills. Named for Philip Wigle, whose 1790s dispute with a tax collector helped spark the Whiskey Rebellion, it was the first distillery in Pittsburgh since Prohibition. The family-owned distillery has earned national recognition, including being named the American Craft Spirits Association’s Most Awarded Craft Distillery.PITTSBURGH, PA
New Liberty DistilleryPhiladelphia’s New Liberty Distillery makes grain-to-glass whiskey and other spirits while looking to the state’s past for inspiration. Its Heritage Collection revives brands such as Kinsey, and master distiller Robert Cassell leads a particular focus on bringing Pennsylvania rye whiskey back into the spotlight. The distillery also puts local character into releases such as Bloody Butcher Bourbon, aged in Pennsylvania white-oak casks.PHILADELPHIA, PA