LOCAL LIBATIONS

Old Republic Distillery seeks to create unique, flavorful, high-end spirits, defined by their distillers as “liquid art.” Located in York, PA, ORD is the county’s first distillery since Prohibition. Their space includes a 5,000-square-foot building that features their distillery operations, a distillery tasting room, and a party rental room called “the copper room.” When asked why he started the distillery, owner Bill Mathias says he was born to do this. “I’ve had a fascination with the fermentation sciences since I was a teenager, especially spirits. It’s all about following your dreams, setting your goals high, and doing everything possible to accomplish them. For me, this is my dream come true.” And you can taste the passion in every drop.

Their team produces their handcrafted, small batch spirits utilizing as much local agriculture as possible. Visit the distillery on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to taste the local difference. With so many flavors and styles, there’s something for everyone. Some favorites include an American Single Malt Whiskey, Gates House Rum, Battlefield Vodka and Love Potion, a libation that combines bold strawberries with blueberries for an incredibly sweet, yet tart, liquor. While you’re visiting, make sure you ask if there are any other experimental varieties in the tasting room.

Something to remember before you go: ORD is a BYOF (bring your own food) establishment. Pack a snack—or a full meal—to enjoy with your spirits. Check their calendar, though, as sometimes there’s a local caterer or food truck on-site. In addition to these special days, there are also plenty of events on the calendar, including bike nights, Rum Fest, holiday parties, 70s and 80s dance parties, and a variety of live music.

ORD is a proud member of the Keystone Craft Spirits Trail and is working with state lawmakers to officially identify South Central PA as the “Birthplace of American Whiskey.” The distillery’s dedication to the exploration of the fermentation sciences is what makes Old Republic unique and what will continue to attract craft spirits enthusiasts from around the world.

Located just a few blocks from the heart of downtown Lancaster, Thistle Finch Distillery invites you to experience a hidden gem where nostalgia and hand-crafted libations rule. Take a moment out of your busy schedule to step back in time and indulge in their distilled goods. Whether you choose a classic rye whiskey cocktail or a seasonal, specialty cocktail crafted from a range of house-made infusions, you won’t be underwhelmed by anything on their menu.

Thistle Finch is proud to be the first operating distillery in Lancaster since Prohibition. Founder Andrew Martin made the transition from the tech world to craft distilling, where he set out to revive the centuries-old tradition of making rye whiskey in Lancaster. And since accomplishing that, he has created Market Alley Gin, Penn Square Vodka, Coffee Rye, Black Pepper Rye, and Straight Rye Whiskey, in addition to a few seasonal favorites.

Thistle Finch prides itself on its rye whiskey’s unique grain bill: 60 percent rye, 30 percent wheat and 10 percent malted barley. Almost all of its grain is sourced locally from Lancaster and Lebanon counties. In addition to this unique grain bill, how they treat the grains is also quite special. Prior to mashing in, their grains are milled to a fine, flour-like consistency, which allows for the best conversion of the grain starch into sugars. You can learn even more about their distilling process by visiting the tasting room. Pro tip: stop in on a Saturday or a Sunday and take a distillery tour. Tours usually last around an hour and include a tasting of their full product line. Reservations are not needed and the cost is just $10 per person. If you’re unable to make it on a tour, you can still see the majority of the distillery production area from the tasting room. All of the bartenders are educated on distilling, so feel free to ask them all of your questions about the spirits or how they’re made.

In addition to cocktail and bottle sales, Thistle Finch also shares a space with Wacker Brewing Company. So if you’re a liquor lover, but your partner is a beer nerd, unite at the bar for both of your favorites. While Thistle Finch doesn’t technically serve food, there is a menu available through Wacker Brewing’s Little Dutch Cafe. The menu includes elevated hot dogs, tacos and plenty of tasty sides like potato salad, soft pretzels, and hummus to snack on while you imbibe. Love a food deal? Every Tuesday is taco night and every Thursday is $1 dog night.

Whether you’re looking to learn about the history of the building or the process of distilling, are on the hunt for a new go-to spot with friends or just want to relax on a night off, Thistle Finch has it all going on.

Midstate Distillery prides itself on being local to the core. They use local ingredients to create their spirits and partner with Pennsylvania businesses whenever possible, which also includes the local draft beer, cider, and wine they pour in-house. Their main goal is in crafting superior, distinct products that reflect their deep roots and make PA proud.

When Daniel Healy, co-owner and head distiller, is asked why he originally got into distilling, he references the beauty of science and art. "I really enjoy the unique blend of science and art that makes distilling what it is. Someone can be an expert at the biology, chemistry, and physics of mashing, fermentation, distilling, and barrel processing, but without the uncertainty and experimentation that comes from a less structured, more artistic approach to these aspects of spirit production, one may never craft an outstanding product. The opposite also holds true. With purely artistic experimentation, one will never be able to consistently recreate a high quality product, nor be able to troubleshoot when a product does not come out the way it is expected to."

Calling downtown Harrisburg home, Midstate is the city’s very first distillery since Prohibition. They’re proud to constantly be creating and evolving in their craft. Brand new bottles with fresh label designs now fill their shelves, and they’ve just added gin and rye whiskey to their already stellar lineup. Customers’ favorites include their Coffee Liqueur, Vanilla Vodka and Bourbon Whiskey. In addition to these, we’re also crushing on their fresh spirit infusions: watermelon gin, cucumber dill vodka, and orange vanilla bourbon.

But our favorite reason to visit right now? Midstate’s seasonal drink menu is out—think cocktails and martinis—and their slushie machine is cranking out delicious frozen drinks every weekend. And why stay inside when you can enjoy the outside on their recently renovated patio? The large, non-smoking space has seating for up to 36 people, with lights and firepits. It’s also dog-friendly on Sundays.

If you need even more of a reason to visit, Food Fridays are in full swing with a local food truck or vendor every Friday from 4-10 p.m. Happy hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 5-7 p.m. They’re open 12-10 p.m. on Saturdays and offer free distillery tours at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday Fundays are 11-4 p.m. with a build-your-own bloody Mary bar (just $8), iced coffee cocktails and fresh squeezed orange crushes. Outside food is always welcome, and tastings and parking are always free. Plus, Midstate always has fresh events up their sleeve, like their Stretch & Sip yoga/barre classes, Friskey & Whiskey events with adoptable animals, burlesque shows, and more. Stop into Midstate Distillery for a quick sample or meet your friends for a night out on the town. Whatever you need, Midstate does not disappoint.