Thistle Finch Distillery opened its doors in 2016 in a converted warehouse space at 417 W Grant St in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Founded by Tim Russell, who transitioned from a career in finance to follow his passion for craft spirits, the distillery takes its name from the thistle finch bird—a nod to Russell’s Scottish heritage and the attention to detail required in both birdwatching and distilling. The 4,000-square-foot facility houses custom copper stills and serves as both production space and tasting room, focusing primarily on whiskey and gin production using locally-sourced Pennsylvania grains when possible. Russell’s journey into distilling began as a hobby that grew into a full-scale operation, with the goal of creating spirits that reflect the agricultural heritage of Lancaster County. The distillery emphasizes small-batch production with careful attention to each step of the process, from grain selection through aging in charred oak barrels. What started as one man’s career pivot has evolved into a respected local producer that’s helped establish Lancaster as a legitimate stop on Pennsylvania’s growing craft spirits trail.
