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Pittsburgh’s Best Distillery and Whiskey Rebellion Trail
In 1791, the federal government imposed its first tax on a domestic product: all distilled spirits. But American whiskey was by far the country’s most popular distilled beverage so what became known as “the whiskey tax” rapidly sparked civil disobedience, violence, tax evasion, and intimidation tactics throughout the western states and the frontier. George Washington himself (President at the time) would lead 13,000 troops against the rebels to prove that the federal government could enforce its laws with military might.
Today, the Whiskey Rebellion Trail allows visitors to explore the birthplace of American whiskey. In all, there are seventy-five distilleries along the Whiskey Rebellion Trail that produce everything from gin aged in port barrels and the famous Monongahela to blood orange liqueur and raspberry lavender absinthe.
Journey to Pittsburgh this summer not only to discover the history of the Whiskey Rebellion at its epicenter but also to experience the mouthwatering flavors where it all started and at the most awarded craft whiskey distillery in the country: Wigle Whiskey. Wigle Whiskey Distillery and Barrelhouse can be toured in Pittsburgh’s Strip District on Saturdays. Your guide will walk you through how Wigle’s starts with organic, local grain to produce its award-winning spirits. The tour includes a cocktail, a hands-on look at the distillation process, a history of the Whiskey Rebellion from the perspective of its instigator, Philip Wigle, and a seated tasting of straight spirits. Tours take about one hour.
Recent releases include the Oaxaca Rye, Madeira Finished Bourbon, and Barrel-Rested Gin while the classic favorites from Wigle’s are the famous Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey and Bourbon and Dutch-Style Gin. If you also brought an appetite, check the website for the food truck lineup. A tradition at Wigle, food trucks are a common appearance year-round.
Wigle Whiskey Distillery and Tasting Room
2401 Smallman Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412.224.2827
