Years ago, our local brethren told the government to shove the liquor tax up their asses. What erupted was a Western Pennsylvania revolt against Federal tax collectors, causing George Washington himself to lead the military in a march to suppress the rebellion. So, other than an interesting piece of history that is pivotal to shaping our region, what does this mean to us? Well, it means that, arguably, American Whiskey was born here. It also means that you should taste the history for yourself.
In 1907, Elmer N. Miller conceived the idea for a yearly gathering of old friends and acquaintances. As an added attraction, the age-old process of scutching flax to make linen cloth was made the center of the celebration. This festival became a yearly event, except for the years 1942 to 1947, when World War 2 and economic conditions made it inconvenient.
In Stahlstown, everyone has a story or two about homemade whiskey. We're proud to bring back that rich tradition.
Our family story started with the American Revolution, when Zebulon Parke came to Western Pennsylvania after the bitter winter at Valley Forge. He owned a tavern, serving libations to brighten the trail for weary travelers.
Years later, Great Grandpap Blackburn, the namesake of our production still, "Pappy Joe," purchased the farm where our distillery sits today. Grandpap was a self-sufficient, hard-working, blue-blooded American. Poppy told us that Grandpap said, "if you feel good when you've made it through the day, take a shot of Whisky. If you feel like shit, take two." Grandpap's drink of choice was Old Grand-dad, naturally.
Grandmas are the best. That is our Grandma Shirley sitting next to Pappy Joe.
"A man should never neglect his family for business"
-Walt Disney
The farm is where we grew up. The farmhouse (still there, by the way) was built over 100 years ago next to a natural spring, giving us the fresh filtered mountain water required for good whisky.
We financed using our own savings. Using a hand-built still in our uncle's old sawmill building, in 2021 we distilled our first batch with locally sourced grain and water from the spring.
While the barn got a face-lift and our production equipment has been upgraded, everything is still handmade and locally sourced. You can almost taste the Western Pennsylvania tradition... and it tastes pretty damn good.
We are a veteran-owned, family-operated distillery and truly believe in everything local. If we can't build it or grow it, we buy it locally. Fresh Spring water, local grain, and longstanding family tradition are distilled into every handmade sip.
Welcome to the Farm.