From Hobby Distiller to Family-Owned Craft Distillery: The Story of Liberty Pole Spirits

In this episode, I interviews Jim from Liberty Pole Spirits, a family-owned craft whiskey distillery in Pennsylvania.  Jim discusses how Liberty Pole started as a hobby distillery, with him operating a 15-gallon backyard copper still. His two sons, who were science kids, joined him in the hobby. When Jim was winding down his career and not enjoying it anymore, he saw the rise of craft distilling and convinced his wife to start a distillery as a part-time operation. Eventually, his sons left their engineering careers to join the family business.

We discuss the significance of the Whiskey Rebellion in American history and the potential for a musical about it. We also talk about Liberty Pole's focus on pot-distilled whiskey and their recent expansion, including the construction of a rickhouse with a 3,600 barrel capacity.

Jim shares that Liberty Pole produces a variety of whiskeys, including bourbon, rye, corn whiskey, and peated bourbon and rye. They use a unique mash bill for their bourbon, incorporating bloody butcher corn, a non-GMO heirloom varietal. They also experiment with different finishes, such as rum and sherry barrels.

The conversation shifts to the distillery's cocktail program, which has been instrumental in gaining fans and ambassadors for their whiskey. Jim emphasizes the importance of offering a unique experience to visitors, including tours, tastings, and a themed tasting room cocktail bar.

 

🔗 Links:

https://www.libertypolespirits.com/
https://www.instagram.com/libertypolespirits/
https://www.facebook.com/Libertypolespirits/
https://twitter.com/LibPoleSpirits
https://www.youtube.com/@libertypolespirits8694