Hungry Run Distillery sits on 10 Ridens Road in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, housed in a converted barn that feels like it’s been part of the Mifflin County landscape forever. Founded by husband-and-wife team Jim and Pam Kerstetter, this small-batch operation opened its doors in 2018 after Jim spent years perfecting his craft in their garage. The couple transformed a century-old dairy barn into their production facility and tasting room, keeping the rustic charm while installing modern distilling equipment. They produce bourbon, rye whiskey, and flavored moonshines that reflect their commitment to traditional Pennsylvania distilling methods.
Jim’s journey into distilling started as a retirement hobby after decades in manufacturing, but his attention to detail and Pam’s business acumen turned their passion project into a legitimate craft distillery. They source their grains locally when possible and use a 500-gallon copper still that Jim helped design. The name ‘Hungry Run’ comes from a small creek that runs through their property—a nod to the local geography that shaped this corner of central Pennsylvania. Their approach is hands-on and personal, with Jim often leading tours himself and explaining his fermentation process to visitors.
Visitors find themselves in an authentic working distillery where you can see the entire process from grain to bottle. The tasting room maintains the barn’s original character with exposed beams and stone walls, while large windows let you peer directly into the production area. It’s not fancy or polished, but that’s exactly the point—this is craft distilling at its most genuine, where you’re tasting spirits made by the same people pouring your samples.