CRAFT DISTILLERY

Wigle Whiskey Distillery

Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania
— Bourbon, Rye, Vodka, Gin, Rum

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🌾
Heritage Grains
Turkey Red wheat, heirloom Pennsylvania varieties
📚
Historical Research
Actual 1800s recipes, not marketing stories
🥃
White Rye
Unaged spirit like Whiskey Rebellion farmers
🏭
Strip District
Converted warehouse, exposed brick, working atmosphere
👨‍🔬
Third Generation
Head distiller trained under his father
⚖️
Rebellion Legacy
Named for 1794 tax revolt origins
📞 (412) 224-2827
🌐 http://www.wiglewhiskey.com/
📍 2401 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Industrial Pittsburgh Meets Whiskey Rebellion History

Wigle Whiskey sits in Pittsburgh’s Strip District on Smallman Street, where industrial Pittsburgh meets craft distilling. Founded in 2012 by Meyer Grelli and Mark Meyer, both Pittsburgh natives who left careers in law and finance to resurrect western Pennsylvania’s whiskey-making heritage. The distillery occupies a converted warehouse space that fits the gritty-meets-refined vibe of the Strip District, complete with exposed brick and industrial fixtures. They produce whiskey, gin, rum, and vodka, all made from locally-sourced grains when possible. The name honors the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794, when western Pennsylvania farmers revolted against federal whiskey taxes – a fitting tribute for a region that was once America’s whiskey heartland before Prohibition killed the industry. Grelli and Meyer spent years researching historical recipes and techniques, working to bring authentic pre-Prohibition flavors back to Pittsburgh. They started with a small operation but have grown into one of Pennsylvania’s most recognized craft distilleries, winning national awards and expanding their facility multiple times. The team includes head distiller Alex Grelli (Meyer’s son) who trained under his father and has developed many of their signature recipes. Their approach combines historical authenticity with modern craft techniques – they’re not just making whiskey, they’re reclaiming Pittsburgh’s place in American whiskey history.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Pre-Prohibition Recipes Actually Researched Right

Wigle’s commitment to historical authenticity sets them apart from most craft distilleries. They’ve researched actual pre-Prohibition Pennsylvania whiskey recipes and use heritage grains like Turkey Red winter wheat and other heirloom varieties that were common in the region 150 years ago. Their flagship rye whiskey uses a mash bill similar to what Pennsylvania distillers made in the 1800s, and they age some expressions in used bourbon barrels to replicate historical aging practices when new oak wasn’t always available. The distillery also produces spirits beyond whiskey that reflect regional history, including a white rye that mimics what farmers would have drunk fresh off the still during the Whiskey Rebellion era. They source most of their grains from Pennsylvania farms when possible, creating a true grain-to-glass operation that connects modern Pittsburgh to its agricultural roots.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Working Distillery Where History Comes Alive

You’ll walk into a working distillery where the smell of fermenting grain mash and the sound of distillation create an authentic production atmosphere. Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who dive deep into both the technical aspects of distilling and the historical context of Pennsylvania whiskey. You’ll see their custom-built still system and learn how they’ve adapted historical recipes for modern production. The tasting room feels like an extension of the distillery floor rather than a polished retail space, with exposed brick walls and industrial lighting that keeps the focus on the spirits. Tastings include their core lineup plus seasonal releases, with detailed explanations of how each spirit connects to regional whiskey traditions. The staff genuinely knows their products and the stories behind them – these aren’t scripted presentations but conversations with people who understand both the craft and the history.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

For History Buffs Absolutely Essential

If you’re interested in American whiskey history or want to understand how craft distilling can honor regional traditions, Wigle delivers an educational experience that goes well beyond typical distillery visits. History buffs will appreciate the Whiskey Rebellion connections and the authentic approach to recreating pre-Prohibition recipes. The spirits themselves are well-made and distinct from standard craft distillery offerings – the rye whiskey especially shows what Pennsylvania whiskey might have tasted like 150 years ago. However, if you’re looking for a polished tourist experience with Instagram-worthy photo ops, this might feel too industrial and educational. The focus here is on substance over style, which appeals to serious spirits enthusiasts but might disappoint casual visitors expecting a more entertainment-focused experience.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Book your tour online in advance, especially for weekend visits when they fill up quickly. The distillery is in the Strip District, so parking can be challenging on busy weekends – arrive early or consider using ride share. Ask specifically about their heritage grain program and historical recipe research during your visit, as this is where their expertise really shines. Try the white rye if available, as it offers a unique taste of what unaged Pennsylvania whiskey was like during the Whiskey Rebellion. The staff appreciates visitors who ask technical questions about their process, so don’t hesitate to dig deeper into the distilling methods if you’re curious. Combine your visit with exploring the Strip District’s other food vendors and markets to make a full afternoon of it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Wigle Whiskey Distillery — Visitor FAQ

What makes Wigle different from other craft distilleries?
Wigle focuses specifically on recreating historical Pennsylvania whiskey recipes using heritage grains and pre-Prohibition techniques. They’ve researched actual recipes from the 1800s and source heirloom grain varieties that were common in the region before industrial agriculture.
Do I need to book a tour in advance?
Yes, tours fill up quickly especially on weekends. You can book online through their website, and it’s recommended to reserve at least a week ahead for weekend visits.
What’s the connection to the Whiskey Rebellion?
The distillery is named after Philip Wigle, a western Pennsylvania farmer who was involved in the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. The founders chose this name to honor the region’s role in early American whiskey history and the farmers who fought federal whiskey taxes.

GETTING THERE

Find Wigle Whiskey Distillery

📍2401 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA

 — 

📞 (412) 224-2827

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