Do you love visiting different distilleries? Do you live near Pennsylvania? Or perhaps you’re visiting and want to know the best distilleries to check out. If this sounds like you, then definitely read on.

In this article, I’m going to be telling you about the very best distilleries you can find in Pennsylvania that are worth a visit (see also ‘10 Highly Rated Distilleries In Iowa Worth A Visit‘). Read on to find out about the top 10 highest-rated distilleries in Pennsylvania for you to try out (see also ‘15 Best Pittsburgh Distilleries We Highly Recommend‘)!

Distilleries In Pennsylvania

There are lots of great distilleries in Pennsylvania, as well as beer and wine. The large number of distillers in the state means that there are lots of fantastic liquors to try out.

American whiskey actually originated in Pennsylvania, so it makes sense that it would be home to many great distilleries. The Pennsylvania area has been credited as being the birthplace of rye whiskey (see also ‘10 Highly Rated Distilleries In Lancaster Pennsylvania Worth A Visit‘).

As well as this, the whiskey rebellion took place in the 1700’s which was in Pennsylvania. This occurred when the farmers and distillers in western Pennsylvania refused to pay tax on their spirits. The uprising was stopped in its tracks by George Washington.

This meant that until after the Prohibition, the distilling industry in the area was not what it used to be. However, in 2011, the area began to remove some of the regulations that were in place, allowing more distilleries to open.

There are lots of different distilleries to try out in the area, so give some of these a go!

1. Pollyodd

This distillery located in Southern Philadelphia creates delicious alcohol (see also ‘10 Highly Rated Distilleries In Philadelphia Worth A Visit‘). This was opened by Joanie Verratti in 2012. The owner of this distillery is reportedly the first female distiller that has been licensed since the prohibition.

Pollyodd distillery sets itself aside from other distilleries of its kind because of the different flavors that they produce. You can have chocolate, banana and lemon drinks. At this distillery you can try the after dinner limoncello, as well as lots of different spirits. You can order any of the flavors that you fancy and you will be given a scheduled time to pick them up.

2. Philadelphia Distilling

The Philadelphia Distillery is the first craft distillery that opened in Pennsylvania since the prohibition came to an end. It was founded in 2005 and it was set up to create spirits that the American people will absolutely love.

At this distillery, you will recieve wonderful spirits from a team who have put a lot of creativity into their recipes. You will have the chance to taste spirits from authentic grains that are made using the finest equipment.

This is an iconic family business that is based in Philadelphia. The key point of difference of this distillery in comparison to the other distilleries in the area is that they focus on the integrity of the spirits. They focus on creating big and bold flavored spirits.

3. New Liberty Distillery

The New Liberty Distillery is located in the North of Philadelphia. It is located near Center City in a building that once served as a stable. It is now the area where the barrels are stored to age the whiskey.

The working distillery is also home to a bar and an area where you are able to taste the spirits and purchase spirit related gifts.

4. Ritter’s Cider Mill

The Ritter’s cider mill was created by the Ritter family. It was first established in 1978 and, since then, there have been many changes made. They focus on good quality products made from fresh ingredients.

Customers are able to enjoy a friendly and clean atmosphere which is very appealing to visitors. You will be greeted by the Ritter family when you visit.

5. Nomad Distilling Company

Nomad Distilling company is located just outside of the town of Williamsport in Pennsylvania. It started out as a business that was run by locals and it was then purchased in March 2018 by a couple who have experience in the business.

The couple work together to create this successful business where Frank handles the management, and Sarah handles the marketing side of the business. The brand has really developed over the years and the spirits are made with creativity and craftsmanship.

6. Eight Oaks Distillery

At Eight Oaks Distillery, they grow all of their own grains. They grow rye, barley, corn and wheat. At this distillery, Rye Whiskey, Vodka, Gin and Bourbon are all made. As well as this, there are lots of different, more unique spirits made in the distillery including Applejack Rum and a traditional tequila named Ocho Robles.

This is a family run company who pride themselves on creating unique products that are of a very high quality.

7. Manatawny Still Works

The Manatawny Still Works is a great distillery that engineers the best quality American whiskeys in the area. The distillery makes small batch whiskeys using high quality ingredients. They are building up their own array of different craft spirits that involve lots of different innovative processes.

This company does not only produce whiskeys, but they also produce gins, rums, vodkas and brandies. You can sit and enjoy one of these drinks at the bar, or you can purchase a bottle to take home with you.

8. Blackbird Distillery

The Blackbird Distillery is a great experience as it feels like you’re stepping back in time. You will have the opportunity at this distillery to experience old-fashioned moonshine. It tastes exactly how they made it back then.

If you fancy a sample of this moonshine, head over to the distillery to enjoy the taste and listen to the history of moonshine and the rebellion. The moonshine in this distillery is made using a single run process and it makes bottles with different alcohol proofs in each one.

Each bottle made in this distillery is hand cooked and sealed with hot wax. The proof is then written on the label by hand as it is different for each bottle.

9. Silverback Distillery

This distillery offers a lot of different flavors of whiskey. There are a lot of citrus flavors in this drink as well as a honey-liquor infused whiskey. There is also a blackback bourbon for you to try. This distillery offers a mix of different grains that are grown locally. They are then mixed in production facilities that are state of the art.

In this distillery you can enjoy barrel smoked cocktails as well as whiskey that is served neat.

10. Gallows Hill Spirits

The Gallows Hill Distillery is one that is highly recommended in the Pennsylvania area. This distillery was set up by descendants of the Soothsayer of Andover. This is a witch who was hanged on Gallows Hill. This event took place in Salem in 1692, and so the distillery is said to bring you delicious and bewitched spirits.

At this distillery, rum, vodka, moonshine and gin are made. You can get them in a few different flavors.

11. Bluebird Distilling

The Bluebird distillery is one of the best in the area in Pennsylvania. It is a perfect distillery for grain to grass products and they pride themselves on producing high quality products.

The spirits in this distillery are made on site and they are made using state of the art equipment. For instance, the hybrid copper still used to make the spirits are delicious. The people in the distillery are fun and creative.

12. Thistle Finch Distillery

At this distillery you will have the chance to experience a nostalgic setting. It is a great chance for you to step back in time and enjoy a cocktail made from wye whiskey or any of the other cocktails that are made on site. At this distillery you will have the opportunity to learn about the process of distilling and the history behind it.

You can choose to take a tour or simply enjoy a drink at the bar.

13. McLaughlin Distillery

At the McLaughlin Distillery, you will always have high quality products that are 100% natural. You will have the chance to enjoy small batch spirits that are made from scratch. It is an important part of the community and they are very good for the local community. They ensure that they are treating employees with respect.

14. Colonel Ricket

This is a cidery that is run by a local family. This company makes a variety of cider as well as lots of other spirits. They have been in the business for a long time and have created a lot of different drinks to satisfy different palates.

This is a great distillery in the Pennsylvania area that is well worth a visit. It is very common to see these drinks around.

15. Banter’s Hard Cider

At Banter’s, you won’t be disappointed with the drinks that you have the chance to try. This company is innovative and creates unique drinks that focus on quality of the product. They use the finest ingredients and equipment to make the best products. This distillery is well worth a visit and it is highly recommended!