Liberty Pole Spirits, a distillery based in North Strabane, Pennsylvania, has achieved notable recognition at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. The distillery secured first place in the rye whiskey category for its Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey and second place in the flavored whiskey category for its specially crafted spiced whiskey. This year marked the inaugural inclusion of distilled spirits in the competition, which takes place in Harrisburg until January 14, 2024.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show features a diverse array of exhibits, showcasing everything from livestock to artisanal foods. Jim Hough, who co-owns Liberty Pole Spirits with his family, expressed pride in the achievement. “To be the best rye whiskey in Pennsylvania is pretty nice,” he stated. The spiced whiskey that earned second place was a limited edition released for the holiday season, highlighting the distillery’s commitment to quality and seasonal offerings.
Hough noted that while the distillery has participated in competitions sporadically, it does not heavily focus on this as part of its marketing strategy. “We’ve done some things in the past,” he explained. Although there may be plans to enter more contests in the future, Hough emphasized that their current distribution is limited to Pennsylvania. Consequently, competitions that include entries from all 50 states are not particularly beneficial for their business at this time.
Established as a small business, Liberty Pole Spirits has garnered recognition beyond its recent wins. It received the U.S. Small Business Administration award for small business of the year in Western Pennsylvania. Hough’s journey into whiskey-making began as a hobby while he was working in finance. The distillery originally operated on West Maiden Street in downtown Washington before relocating to its current site on Adios Drive, adjacent to the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows.
“People appreciate small businesses, local businesses,” Hough remarked, highlighting a growing trend among consumers who value supporting local enterprises. As Liberty Pole Spirits continues to create high-quality products, it remains a testament to the thriving craft distillery movement in Pennsylvania.
