How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

Pennsylvania

Palmer Distilling Co

Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania

— Bourbon, Rye

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🌾

Local Grains

Pennsylvania farms within 100 miles

🥃

Barrel Experiments

Wine and beer barrel finishing

👨‍🔬

Drew Palmer

Founder pours your tasting himself

🏭

Industrial Space

Converted mill building in Manayunk

🍺

Brewing Background

Different perspective on whiskey making

⚗️

Small Batch

500-gallon copper pot still system

📞 (215) 588-5108

🌐 http://www.palmerdistilling.com/

📍 220 Krams Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19127, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Industrial Philadelphia Space Making Regional Whiskey

Palmer Distilling Co sits in Philadelphia’s Manayunk neighborhood on Krams Avenue, operating out of a converted industrial space that reflects the gritty character of this former mill town. Founded by Drew Palmer in 2019, the distillery emerged from Palmer’s background in craft beer and his fascination with American whiskey traditions. After years of home distilling and recipe development, he launched Palmer Distilling with a focus on small-batch bourbon and rye whiskey, using locally sourced grains when possible. The operation runs on a 500-gallon copper pot still system, allowing Palmer to maintain tight control over every batch while experimenting with different mash bills and aging techniques. What started as a one-man operation has grown into a legitimate craft distillery that’s carving out its niche in Philadelphia’s expanding spirits scene, though it maintains the intimate feel of a passion project where the founder is usually the one pouring your tasting.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Pennsylvania Grain Local Barrel Experiments

Palmer Distilling stands out for its hyper-local approach in a city not traditionally known for whiskey production. Palmer sources corn and wheat from Pennsylvania farms within 100 miles of the distillery, creating a genuinely regional product that reflects the terroir of southeastern Pennsylvania. The distillery also experiments with finishing techniques using barrels that previously held local wines and craft beer, creating unique flavor profiles you won’t find elsewhere. Palmer’s background in brewing brings a different perspective to whiskey making, and he’s not afraid to push boundaries with unconventional grain bills and aging experiments that bigger distilleries wouldn’t risk.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Meet the Actual Distiller Behind the Bar

You’ll find Palmer himself behind the bar most days, sharing stories about the distilling process and Philadelphia’s industrial history while pouring generous tastings of his current releases. The tasting room feels more like a neighborhood bar than a polished tourist destination, with exposed brick walls and industrial fixtures that honor the building’s manufacturing past. Tours are informal affairs where you’ll see the entire operation in about 20 minutes, from grain to glass, and Palmer encourages questions about everything from fermentation temperatures to barrel char levels. The atmosphere is relaxed and educational, perfect for whiskey enthusiasts who want to understand the craft without the corporate presentation.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Before It Gets Too Well Known

If you’re serious about craft whiskey and appreciate meeting the actual distiller, Palmer Distilling delivers an authentic experience that feels refreshingly unpretentious. You won’t find massive production facilities or slick marketing presentations, but you will taste spirits made by someone who genuinely cares about the craft and can explain exactly how each bottle came to be. It’s particularly appealing to visitors who enjoy discovering small operations before they become well-known, though casual tourists expecting a polished experience might prefer larger distilleries. The intimate setting makes it ideal for small groups who want to have real conversations about whiskey making rather than just checking a box on a distillery tour.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their social media before visiting since hours can vary based on production schedules and Palmer’s one-man operation. The distillery is tucked into an industrial area that GPS sometimes struggles with, so look for the small sign on Krams Avenue near the Manayunk Canal. Parking is usually available on the street, but weekend visits during peak tourist season in Manayunk can get crowded. Ask Palmer about his barrel finishing experiments if you’re interested in unique flavor profiles, and don’t miss trying his rye if it’s available since that’s where his brewing background really shines through. The best visits happen when Palmer has time to chat, so weekday afternoons tend to be more relaxed than busy weekend periods.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Palmer Distilling Co — Visitor FAQ

Is the distillery owner usually there when I visit?

Drew Palmer runs the operation largely by himself, so you’ll likely meet him during your visit, especially on weekday afternoons. He’s passionate about sharing the story behind his spirits and enjoys talking with visitors about the distilling process. Weekend visits can be busier, but he makes an effort to connect with everyone who stops by.

What makes Palmer’s whiskey different from other Pennsylvania distilleries?

Palmer sources grains from farms within 100 miles of the distillery and brings a craft brewer’s perspective to whiskey making. He experiments with finishing techniques using local wine and beer barrels, creating unique flavor profiles. His background in brewing also influences his approach to fermentation and grain bill development.

How do I find the distillery in Manayunk?

The distillery is located on Krams Avenue in an industrial area near the Manayunk Canal. Look for a small sign since it’s not a huge storefront operation. Street parking is usually available, and it’s about a 10-minute walk from the main Manayunk shopping district along Main Street.

GETTING THERE

Find Palmer Distilling Co

📍220 Krams Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19127, USA

—

📞 (215) 588-5108

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