Crooked Creek Distillery sits on South Water Street in West Newton, a small Westmoreland County town about 30 minutes southeast of Pittsburgh. Founded by Jim and Colleen Yohe, this craft distillery opened its doors in 2013 after the couple spent years planning their transition from corporate careers into the spirits business. Jim, who previously worked in engineering, and Colleen, with her background in business management, transformed a former auto parts store into their distilling operation, complete with tasting room and retail space. The Yohes didn’t jump into distilling on a whim. They spent considerable time researching equipment, perfecting recipes, and navigating Pennsylvania’s complex liquor laws before opening. Their approach focuses on small-batch production using traditional methods combined with modern precision. The distillery produces vodka, gin, whiskey, and seasonal spirits, with much of their grain sourced from Pennsylvania farms. Jim handles the distillation process on their custom-built copper still, while Colleen manages the business side and customer experience. What started as a retirement project has evolved into a legitimate local destination. The tasting room occupies the front of the building, where visitors can sample their spirits and learn about the distilling process. You’ll often find Jim or Colleen behind the bar, eager to explain their methods and share stories about their journey from corporate life to craft distilling. The atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming, reflecting the owners’ hands-on approach and genuine enthusiasm for their craft.