The Rich History of Pennsylvania Bourbon

When it comes to production in the United States, Kentucky is often the frst state that comes to mind. However, the rich history of Pennsylvania distilling cannot be ignored. In fact, Pennsylvania is the birthplace of American , making it a key player in the bourbon industry.

Pennsylvania bourbon has a unique quality that sets it apart from other bourbons produced in the country. It is made in the birthplace of American whiskey, which gives it a historical significance that cannot be replicated.

The state of Pennsylvania has a long distilling history that extends well beyond whiskey. In fact, before Prohibition, Pennsylvania was home to over 200 distilleries. However, Prohibition dealt a major blow to the industry, causing many distilleries to close their doors permanently.

Today, Pennsylvania bourbon is making a comeback, with distilleries like New Liberty Distillery producing high-quality, award-winning bourbon. The distillery's Kinsey American Whiskey pays homage to the original Kinsey distillery along the Schuylkill River, which once held the world's largest collection of aging whiskies.

Another notable Pennsylvania bourbon is Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey, which has won numerous awards for its unique blend of rye and bourbon. The distillery uses locally sourced grains and traditional distilling methods to create a smooth and flavorful bourbon that pays homage to Pennsylvania's distilling heritage.

Despite the majority of bourbon being produced in Kentucky, Pennsylvania bourbon has a unique place in the industry. It represents the birthplace of American whiskey and a rich distilling history that cannot be replicated. With the resurgence of the industry in recent years, Pennsylvania bourbon is poised to become a major player in the bourbon market.

Pennsylvania bourbon is a key player in the bourbon industry. Its historical significance and unique flavor profile make it a must-try for bourbon enthusiasts. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, Pennsylvania bourbon is sure to remain a staple in the world of American whiskey.

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What Bourbon Is Made In Pennsylvania?

While bourbon is typically associated with and Kentucky, there are actually distilleries in Pennsylvania that produce this type of whiskey. One such distillery is the Kinsey Distillery, which was established in the 19th century along the Schuylkill River. Kinsey bourbon pays homage to this original distillery, which once held the world's largest collection of aging whiskies. Other bourbons made in Pennsylvania include Dad's Hat, which is produced in Bristol, and Wigle Whiskey, which is based in Pittsburgh. These distilleries use a variety of grains, such as corn, rye, and wheat, to create unique flavor profiles in their bourbons.

What Whiskeys Are Made In Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a rich history of whiskey making, and there are severl notable whiskeys produced in the state. Here are four examples:

1. Michter's Single Barrel Straight Rye: This whiskey is made in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania, and is one of the most highly regarded rye whiskeys in the world. It is made from a mash bill of 100% rye grain and is aged in new charred American oak .

2. Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey: This whiskey is made in Bristol, Pennsylvania, and is another highly regarded rye whiskey. It is made from a mash bill of 80% rye, 15% malted barley, and 5% malted rye, and is aged for at least six months in new charred oak barrels.

3. Wigle Organic Small Cask Rye Whiskey: This whiskey is made in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is known for its organic ingredients and small-batch production. It is made from a mash bill of 80% rye, 10% wheat, and 10% malted barley, and is aged in small charred oak barrels for at least six months.

4. New Liberty Distillery Kinsey American Whiskey: This whiskey is made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is a blend of rye and corn whiskeys. It is made from a mash bill of 75% corn and 25% rye, and is aged in new charred oak barrels for at least two years.

These are just a few examples of the many high-quality whiskeys made in Pennsylvania. Each has its own unique flavor profile and production process, making them well worth trying for anyone who appreciates a good whiskey.

Can You Make Bourbon In Pennsylvania?

Bourbon can be made in Pennsylvania. Even though Kentucky is known as the bourbon capital of the world, bourbon can legally be produced in any state within the United States. Pennsylvania has a rich history in distilling, and it is the birthplace of American whiskey. In fact, the Whiskey Rebellion of 1791, whih was a tax protest against the federal government's whiskey tax, took place in Pennsylvania. While rye whiskey is the most well-known spirit from Pennsylvania, the state has also produced bourbon. Pennsylvania bourbon has the unique quality of being made in the birthplace of American whiskey, which adds to its appeal for bourbon enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania bourbon is a unique and often overlooked category of American whiskey that deserves recognition. Its history as the birthplace of American whiskey sets it apart from other bourbon-producing states and highlights the rich tradition of distilling in Pennsylvania. While rye whiskey remains the most prominent style of whiskey produced in the state, Pennsylvania bourbon offers a distinct flavor profile and a connection to the roots of American whiskey making. With a growing number of distilleries producing high-quality bourbon in Pennsylvania, it's an exciting time for bourbon enthusiasts to explore the diversity of American whiskey beyond Kentucky.

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Thomas Ashford

Thomas Ashford is a highly educated brewer with years of experience in the industry. He has a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and a Master Degree in Brewing Science. He is also BJCP Certified Beer Judge. Tom has worked hard to become one of the most experienced brewers in the industry. He has experience monitoring brewhouse and cellaring operations, coordinating brewhouse projects, and optimizing brewery operations for maximum efficiency. He is also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier. Tom is an expert organizer of beer festivals, wine tastings, and brewery tours.