1972 Stitzel-Weller Slideshow (click on title to view slideshow) The following notes were written in addition to the original, 1972 Stitzel-Weller-provided script. The exact words from the original script are […]
The Stitzel Distilleries: From 1872 to Stitzel-Weller…in 9 parts.
The following blog contains a study of the Stitzel distilleries and the men behind them. Each of the 9 separate parts copied below were written in May and June of […]
Steam Heated Warehouses…and Eggs?
One of the glossed over elements necessary in the production of traditional Pennsylvania rye was the nearly universal use of heated warehouses. The steam-heating of warehouses is mentioned occasionally, but […]
Whiskey Award Scandals.
There are lots of whiskey awards that go out around this time of year. Lots of “BEST WHISKEYS” lists encouraging consumers to buy one whiskey over another. And, of course, […]
Is Whiskey Medicinal?
I don’t doubt that you’ve seen articles in every whiskey publication about whether whiskey is medicinal or not. There are videos and blogs and podcasts on the topic. Many new […]
Women Behind the Bar in the 1930s.
One of the more interesting shifts in culture caused by the Repeal of Prohibition in 1933 is that women (at least in Pennsylvania) were finally given the right to serve […]
Steamboats on the Ohio River
It’s great to come across articles like this that give credit to the steamboat crews. More importantly, it points out something we don’t often consider. That steamboats and showboats were […]
Were There Distilleries in Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier?
I was asked an interesting question recently. “Why weren’t there more distilleries in the north central part of Pennsylvania?” My first thought was- How wonderful that Pennsylvania is beginning to […]
Cyrus Noble’s Three Sworn Enemies.
When you read this newspaper ad from 1913, your first thought might be, “Well, this person hates whiskey and promotes the temperance movement.” But oddly enough, it’s a sales ad […]
Some Much Needed Perspective: Bourbon Vs. Rye Whiskey Distilleries.
(This is a post from my Facebook page, @AmericanWhiskeyHistory, December 9, 2022. But my thoughts have not changed on the subject!) I need to say this because I’m SOOOO tired […]