2020-01-07 02:12:13
In 1794, farmers and distillers from western Pennsylvania rose up to protest the federal government’s whiskey tax — a revolt known as the Whiskey Rebellion. Buy a pass to the Whiskey Rebellion Trail to visit the heart of this territory where you’ll tour distilleries, taste locally made spirits, and explore museums that retell stories of the people and places involved. The Whiskey Rebellion Trail features 70+ stops, but here are a few ideas to get you started. Buy your pass at whiskeyrebelliontrail.com. 1. WIGLE WHISKEY, PITTSBURGH First stop: Wigle Whiskey, the most-awarded craft whiskey distillery in America. From ryes and bourbons to flavored whiskeys — as well as rum, gin, absinthe, and vodka — you’re sure to find a spirit to love. Call in advance to book a tasting or whiskey production tour, where you’ll learn the history of the rebellion told from the perspective of protester and leader Philip Wigle. 2. SENATOR JOHN HEINZ HISTORY CENTER, PITTSBURGH Continue your history lesson of all things Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania at this affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute. The Heinz History Center preserves 250 years of Pittsburgh history, including set pieces from the iconic Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood TV show. Admission is included with purchase of your pass. 3. LIBERTY POLE SPIRITS, WASHINGTON During the Whiskey Rebellion, tax opposers would plant Liberty Poles (wooden poles or lances with a “cap of liberty” on top that originated in the Roman era) around the nation. In honor of this proud tradition, Liberty Pole Spirits proudly displays a pole on each whiskey bottle label and as a tribute to the craft. 4. BRADFORD HOUSE MUSEUM, WASHINGTON Honor the leader of the Whiskey Rebellion, David Bradford — a successful lawyer, businessman, and Deputy Attorney General of Washington County — with a tour of his former home, the Bradford House Museum. Admission to this National Historic Landmark and 18th-century architectural showpiece is free during the Whiskey Rebellion Festival, held July 9–12, 2020. 5. WEST OVERTON VILLAGE & MUSEUM, WEST OVERTON Learn how Old Farm Pure Rye Whiskey was produced back in 1810 with a visit to this site, the birthplace of Pittsburgh’s famed industrialist, Henry Clay Frick, who was the grandson of Abraham Overholt, the original owner of the prosperous Overholt Whiskey distillery. Today, you can walk through the village’s 18 buildings — including the distillery museum — to see how rye was transformed into the famed whiskey. 6. THE GOLDEN EAGLE INN, BEDFORD Next, stop at The Pub at the Golden Eagle Inn where it’s never too early for some Christmas Cheer, a cocktail comprised of bourbon, blueberry, blood orange, and cranberry. The 16-room inn dates back to 1794 and was the first brick building built in Bedford. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. 7. THISTLE FINCH DISTILLERY, LANCASTER Step back in time with a classic rye whiskey cocktail, or enjoy free samples of distinctive, small batch spirits. Learn about the history and process of distilling with a tour of the distillery, located in the former Walter Schnader Tobacco Warehouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. 8. BLUE BIRD DISTILLING, PHOENIXVILLE Visit this award-winning, grain-to-glass distillery for a cocktail made with one of their many whiskeys, including single malt, American wheat, rye, white rye, and four-grain bourbon whiskey. It’s worth the trip just to see their amazing still, which was built in Germany and is all copper, ensuring the purest flavors. 9. 1675 SPIRITS, BRISTOL Located along the oldest highway in America — King’s Highway — 1675 Spirits is dedicated to picking out the perfect grains at Castle Valley Mill in Bucks County to craft whiskey and vodka. All ingredients are sourced from within 100 miles of the mill, which has been grinding grains since 1730 using a stone ground mill. 10. MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, PHILADELPHIA Predating the Whiskey Rebellion by just a few years, the spirit of rebellion was instilled during the country’s push for independence. Learn about the people who fought and the events that took place as you explore an impressive collection of objects, works of art, manuscripts, and printed works. Admission is included with purchase of your pass. The @WhiskeyRebellionTrail is officially here! Celebrating the first chapter of American Whiskey, this trail includes 75 craft distilleries throughout the greater Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington, DC., and Baltimore area. @VISIT_PA
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