The Story of Liberty Pole Spirits
In the heart of Pennsylvania, amidst the rich history of rye whiskey, stands Liberty Pole Distillery—a family-owned establishment rooted in tradition and passion for crafting exceptional spirits. Founded eight years ago by Jim and Ellen Hough, along with their sons Rob and Kevin, Liberty Pole has steadily grown from its humble beginnings on a 300-gallon pot distillation system to its current operation on a 1000-gallon batch distillation system.
The distillery focuses on authenticity—a value deeply ingrained in every aspect of their craft. Unlike many others in the industry, Liberty Pole did not depend on consultants, preferring instead to rely on their experimentation and knowledge to produce truly unique, pot-distilled whiskey.
Unique Offerings
What sets Liberty Pole apart from other spirit producers is their unwavering dedication to producing high-quality, pot-distilled whiskey. With a focus on viscosity and full-bodied flavor profiles, their spirits stand out in a crowded market. As advocates for pot distillation, Liberty Pole proudly embraces the rich heritage of Pennsylvania rye whiskey, infusing their creations with the spicy, floral, and fruity characteristics reminiscent of the region’s past.
Partnership with Deutsche Beverage + Process
When it came to expanding their distilling equipment, Liberty Pole sought a partner who shared their vision for growth and innovation. This led them to Deutsche, a company known for its custom solutions and comprehensive approach to distilling equipment. The decision to partner with Deutsche was a natural one, driven by the shared commitment to excellence and the willingness to collaborate on solutions tailored to Liberty Pole’s needs. Liberty Poles distilling operation relies on a custom mash house, sourced from Deutsche, which is a true distilling workhorse. With steam sparging, cooling coils, and glycol jackets, it ensures precise temperature control for optimal mashing. The system is designed for efficiency, allowing them to easily fill/utilize up to four fermenters. This system was also designed with expansion in mind, as the deck has space to accommodate even more fermenters.
Their 1000 Gallon Mash House includes the following unique and custom features:
- Automated material handling, milling, monitoring, CIP, pumps, motors, and heating/cooling
- Hot and cold process water reclamation and cooling
- Modular platform design, built to accept future mixing fermenters
- Steam, Glycol, Process, and CIP lines
- Centralized Siemens control interface
- Hard piping and diverter panel for seamless liquid transfer
Benefits of Collaboration
Working with Deutsche has been a game-changer for Liberty Pole. From custom piping solutions to expert engineering support, Deutsche’s team has seamlessly integrated into Liberty Pole’s operations, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency. The partnership extends beyond mere transactions, with Liberty Pole valuing the open communication and genuine enthusiasm exhibited by the Deutsche sales and engineering team.
Exciting Developments
As Liberty Pole looks towards the future, they are excited to unveil their next creation—the Monongahela Rye. This 108-proof blend pays homage to the rich heritage of Pennsylvania rye whiskey while offering enthusiasts a readily available higher-proof option. Whiskeys like this are currently only available through single barrel releases which sell out rapidly. With its bold, fruity profile and a nod to tradition, the Monongahela Rye promises to be a standout addition to Liberty Pole’s esteemed lineup.
Liberty Pole Distillery represents the craftsmanship and tradition in the world of craft whiskey. With a commitment to their Pennsylvania roots, and a collaborative spirit, Liberty Pole continues to captivate connoisseurs and newcomers alike, one exceptional bottle at a time.
