Liberty Pole Distilling is located in Washington County in Western Pennsylvania at the headwaters of the Ohio River. Whiskey production in this area can be traced back to 1791. For years, in order not to waste grain that wasn’t consumed, it was preserved in the form of distilled spirits. Besides it being safer to drink than contaminated water, it also eased pain for medicinal purpose and, of course, had the ability to improve the spirits of neighbors and friends, which we know was the real reason. After all who doesn’t love whiskey???
It was at this point in time that the government saw the opportunity, through excising a tax on whiskey, were they would be able to pay off the debts owed to the allies who had helped to win independence. Farmers of Washington County were struggling mightily to keep their land and they used their whiskey to barter for goods and supplies that they needed to live, which is why they saw the tax as a problem. This disagreement came to be known as the “Whiskey Rebellion.”
The origin of liberty poles can be traced back to the death of Julius Caesar. Following his assassination, a group of Roman senators raised a Phrygian cap to symbolize there freedom from his rule. From there it became a symbol a freedom and was used thought history. Tom the Tinker, who was the leader of the Whiskey Rebellion, had these words placed on a flag hung upon a liberty pole. “Huzzah for liberty and no excise and no stamp act.”
And this time, the Liberty Pole is displayed on the label of each whiskey bottle and symbolizes the loving appreciation for a craft that once again is bringing livelihood to a proud community. Enjoy!
Website: Liberty Pole
Whiskey Notes from the tasting group:
| Whiskey | Nose, Palate & Finish Comments |
|---|---|
| Corn Whisky – Batch #10 (Bottled 11/20/20) Distiller: Liberty Pole Spirits Mash bill: 81% Bloody Butcher Corn; 19% Malted Barley Cask: Used American Oak; Second-use barrels that formerly held Liberty Pole Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys. Age: Aged a Minimum of 19 months. ABV/Proof: 46% / 92 | 108-115 barrel entry proof; Sweet; Vanilla; oaky and raw; |
| Bourbon Whiskey Batch #31 Distiller: Liberty Pole Spirits Mash bill: 57% Bloody Butcher Corn; 18% Wheat; 25% Malt Cask: New American Oak 25-gallon and 53-gallon barrels Age: Aged a Minimum of 24 Months. ABV/Proof: 46% / 92 | 108-115 barrel entry proof; Oaky, Nutty vanilla taste; Earthy and toasted corn; Clove Taste; Maple syrup and vanilla notes; |
| Rye Whiskey – Batch #29 Distiller: Liberty Pole Spirits Mash bill: 61% Unmalted Rye; 13% Malted Rye, 13% Wheated; 13% Malted Barley Cask: New American Oak 25-gallon and 53-gallon barrels Age: Aged a Minimum of 25 Months. ABV/Proof: 46% / 92 | 108-115 barrel entry proof; The nose of marshmallows & browned sugar; Tastes of allspice; Spicy burn after; Vanilla and Oak; |
| Peated Bourbon Whiskey – Batch #24 Distiller: Liberty Pole Spirits Mash bill: 59% Corn; 41% malt (30% peated) Cask: New American Oak 25-gallon and 53-gallon barrels Age: Aged a Minimum of 25 Months. ABV/Proof: 46% / 92 | Smoldering campfire, butterscotch, and gingerbread; Caramel and sweet corn flavors are immediately accompanied by the campfire burn; Vanilla and brown sugar notes evolve. |
| Bourbon Cream Liqueur – Batch #6 Distiller: Liberty Pole Spirits Mash bill: N/A – Liberty Pole Bourbon Whiskey Cask: N/A – Liberty Pole Bourbon Whiskey Age: N/A – Liberty Pole Bourbon Whiskey ABV/Proof: 15% / 30 | Liberty Pole Bourbon mixed with a smooth cream; Delicious Bourbon Creaminess. |
