Liberty Pole Spirits, a distillery located in North Strabane, Pennsylvania, has achieved significant recognition at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. The distillery won first prize in the rye whiskey category for its Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey and secured second place in the flavored whiskey classification for its specialty spiced whiskey. This year marked the inaugural inclusion of distilled spirits in the competition, which is taking place in Harrisburg until Saturday.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show features a diverse array of exhibits, showcasing everything from livestock to homemade goods. Jim Hough, who co-owns Liberty Pole Spirits with his family, expressed pride in the accolades. “To be the best rye whiskey in Pennsylvania is pretty nice,” he stated. The spiced whiskey that received the second-place award was a limited edition created specifically for the holiday season.
Hough shared that while Liberty Pole Spirits has participated in various competitions in the past, it has not been a major focus of their marketing strategy. “We’ve done some things in the past,” he noted, hinting at the possibility of entering additional contests in the future. Currently, the distillery does not distribute its products outside Pennsylvania, making national competitions less impactful for their business.
Founded by Hough, who initially pursued whiskey making as a hobby while working in finance, Liberty Pole Spirits has garnered recognition as a small business. The distillery previously received the U.S. Small Business Administration’s award for small business of the year in Western Pennsylvania. Their first location was on West Maiden Street in downtown Washington, and they have since moved to Adios Drive in North Strabane, conveniently located near the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows.
Hough emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses. “People appreciate small businesses,” he said, noting that many customers value the community connection that local enterprises provide. The accolades from the Pennsylvania Farm Show not only enhance the distillery’s reputation but also highlight the growing appreciation for craft spirits in the region.
