Dad’s Hat distillery in Bristol is being lauded as the home of Pennsylvania’s best rye whiskey, under the helm of Herman Mihalich and John Cooper, writes Bradford Pearson for Philadelphia Magazine.  

Opening nearly 15 years ago, the distillery committed itself to crafting the rye whiskey, which is characterized by its grassy and peppery notes.  

Mihalich grew up above his family’s bar in Monessen in the Pittsburgh area and has deep ties to The Keystone State’s whiskey heritage.  

Along with Cooper, he embarked on a mission to revive the once-forgotten rye whiskey, driven by a passion deeply rooted in Pennsylvania’s history as the original hub of American whiskey production. 

After leaving their jobs and embarking on a rigorous study at Michigan State’s artisan distilling program, Mihalich, and Cooper worked closely with local farmers to source the best American rye grain, undeterred by Kentucky and Indiana distillers who claimed finding quality American rye grain was impossible. 

Read more about Dad’s Hat in Bristol and its dedication to honoring rye whiskey’s legacy in Philadelphia Magazine.  

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