Mountain Laurel Spirits operates out of a industrial building on Canal Street in Bristol, Pennsylvania, making them one of the few craft distilleries in Bucks County. Founded by Tom Hogue, a former corporate executive who decided to pursue his passion for rye whiskey after years of home distilling, the operation focuses exclusively on producing Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey. The distillery opened in 2014 in a converted warehouse space, where Hogue installed custom copper stills and began crafting rye whiskey using traditional Pennsylvania methods. Hogue’s journey into distilling started as a hobby but evolved into something more serious when he began researching Pennsylvania’s historic rye whiskey tradition. Before Prohibition, Pennsylvania was known for its rye whiskey production, and Hogue wanted to revive that legacy. He spent years perfecting his recipe and navigating the complex licensing requirements before finally opening Mountain Laurel Spirits. The operation remains small-scale by design, with Hogue and a small team handling everything from mashing to bottling. Visitors to the distillery get an intimate look at craft whiskey production in a working facility. The space isn’t fancy – it’s a real production facility first and foremost – but that’s part of its charm. You’ll see the copper stills in action, smell the fermenting mash, and learn about the specific techniques Hogue uses to create his rye whiskey. The focus here is on education and the craft itself rather than a polished visitor experience.