Washington, PA 5/7/2024 — Distilled in the heart of the Monongahela (mə-NONG-gə HEE-lə) Valley of western Pennsylvania, a region steeped in the rich heritage of rye whiskey craftsmanship, comes a tribute to tradition and innovation. Today, we proudly announce the arrival of "Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey," a testament to the time-honored and once world-famous Monongahela Rye style reintroduced to modern whiskey drinkers. 

Based on a storied recipe beloved for centuries, our "Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye  Whiskey" pays homage to its historical roots while embracing the essence of contemporary distillation. At the core of its character lies a high rye mash bill made with 74% total rye, composed of 61% Pennsylvania grown rye and 13% malted rye. This distinctive blend is further enriched with 13% wheat and 13% malted barley, resulting in a classic style of pot distilled Pennsylvania rye whiskey. 

What sets our "Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey" apart is not only its recipe but  also its craftsmanship. After 8 years of focusing exclusively on fine tuning our pot  distilled whiskey, we honor the tradition of Monongahela Rye by sweet mashing and  double pot distilling each batch. The process of pot distillation is essential and ensures  the preservation of those herbal, spice, and fruity grain flavors in a rich, viscous and  flavor forward whiskey. 

Following this traditional distillation process, the spirit is placed into 53-gallon barrels made from local Appalachian oak by the West Virginia Great Barrel Company at a low  barrel entry of 108 proof. This low entry proof guards against astringency that can  occur in high barrel proof whiskeys while extracting those dark leather and caramel  notes that we want to be front and center in our whiskeys. 

The inaugural release of "Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey" marks a milestone  in our journey, showcasing a blend of six barrels ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 years old. Bottled at a proof of 108, mirroring its barrel entry proof, this expression captures the true essence of Monongahela Rye, promising a sensory experience that transcends time  and tradition. 

"We are thrilled to introduce 'Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey' to enthusiasts  and connoisseurs alike," says Jim Hough, Co-Founder of Liberty Pole Spirits. "With every bottle, we invite you to embark on a journey through history, savoring the legacy of  Monongahela Rye while embracing the spirit of innovation that defines our craft." 

This release will be available at the distillery and for shipping to PA addresses on May 11^th for $64 for a 750mL bottle. "Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey" invites discerning palates to indulge in a taste of tradition reborn. Join us in raising a glass to  the timeless allure of Monongahela Rye, reborn for a new era of appreciation. 

For more information, please visit libertypolespirits.com or contact Jim Hough at jim@mingocreekcraftdistillers.com.

About Liberty Pole Spirits
‍Liberty Pole Spirits is an 8-year-old family-owned distillery dedicated to crafting extraordinary whiskeys that celebrate tradition, innovation, and the rich heritage of the Monongahela Valley. With a commitment to quality and a passion for craftsmanship, we strive to create exceptional pot distilled whiskeys not often found in the American whiskey category. Liberty Pole whiskeys will also be available for shipping to 40+ states through our partnership with Big Thirst in just a few short weeks.