Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey

Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey — the Classic Rye — is a 45% ABV (90-proof) Pennsylvania rye whiskey built on an 80% rye mash bill with no corn, pot-distilled and aged at least six months in charred new oak quarter casks. Made by Mountain Laurel Spirits in Bristol, Pennsylvania from a recipe developed with Michigan State University's Artisan Distilling Program, it revives the spicy, full-flavored pre-Prohibition Pennsylvania rye style — and it was the first Pennsylvania-made rye in over 25 years when it launched. Order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV/Proof: 45% ABV / 90 proof
• Size: 750mL
• Aging: At least 6 months in charred new oak quarter casks
• Origin: Mountain Laurel Spirits, Bristol, Pennsylvania, USA
• Production: 80% rye / 15% malted barley / 5% malted rye — no corn, locally grown Pennsylvania rye; pot-distilled; small batch

Pennsylvania Rye, Revived

Before Prohibition, Pennsylvania was rye country — and then it wasn't, for the better part of a century. Dad's Hat set out to bring it back: rye grain and malt only, weeklong controlled fermentation, pot distillation, and small quarter casks that mature the whiskey fast. The results convinced the judges: Whisky Advocate named it Craft Whiskey of the Year 2015, and it holds an ASCOT Awards Platinum (2022), San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silver (2015), American Distilling Institute Silver (2013), and a Good Food Awards win (2013) — all stated on the brand's own site. The brand's tasting: floral and spicy nose, well-balanced mouthfeel, up-front and back-end spice with cinnamon mid-palate, dried fruit, black cherry, tobacco, vanilla, and oak. Explore rye whiskey and the Dad's Hat family.

Tasting Notes

Floral and spicy on the nose; spice up front and on the back end with cinnamon through the middle; dried fruit, black cherry, tobacco, vanilla, and oak — balanced and bold.

How to Enjoy

The benchmark rye for a proper Manhattan or Sazerac — its spice stands up to bitters and vermouth. Neat, it is a textbook pour for anyone learning what rye is supposed to taste like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the 90-proof or 95-proof Dad's Hat?
This is the Classic Rye at 45% ABV / 90 proof. The Pennsylvania Straight Rye (47.5% / 95 proof) is a separate product.

What is the mash bill?
80% rye, 15% malted barley, 5% malted rye — rye grain and malt only, no corn.

What awards has it won?
Whisky Advocate Craft Whiskey of the Year 2015, ASCOT Platinum 2022, San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silver 2015, ADI Silver 2013, and Good Food Awards Winner 2013.

Where is it made?
By Mountain Laurel Spirits in Bristol, Pennsylvania.

For rye the way Pennsylvania used to make it, order Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.