A Taste of History
Truly a once in a lifetime experience, this intimate, discussion-led whiskey tasting celebrates Pennsylvania’s remarkable rye whiskey heritage. Led by whiskey historian Sam Komlenic, you will taste and discuss samples of six historically significant whiskeys, including pre-Prohibition and post-Prohibition bottles, representing some of Pennsylvania's most famous brands and distilleries.
1941 King's Wedding 25 Year Old Bottled in Bond - This whiskey was distilled at Dillinger Distillery in Ruffs Dale, Pa. in 1916. It slumbered through Prohibition and was bottled in 1941. This is one of only a handful of bottles known to exist; the only one ever sold at auction went for $12,700 in 2021 (read more here).
1908 Vintage Overholt Rye - Mellon Family Private Bottling - This is a 1908 Overholt private release for the Mellon family. Re-bottled in the 1930s, it remained in the family cellars for over 70 years. These rare vintage bottlings have been known to auction as high as $15,000 per bottle (read more here).
1940 Old Overholt Cask Strength - 6 ½ Years Old, 123 proof, distilled by Large Distilling Co., Large, Pa., and bottled at A. Overholt & Co. Broad Ford, Pa. This was a special release of Old Overholt bottled exactly as drawn from the barrel. A very unique and powerful example of Monongahela rye.
1942 Old Farm Straight Rye - 4 Years Old, 86 Proof, distilled in Indiana and bottled by National Distillers Products Corp. After Prohibition, National Distillers acquired the Old Farm brand and released this out-of-state bottling in the 1940s.
1946 Old Overholt Bottled in Bond - 5 Years Old, Bottled in Bond, distilled in 1941 and bottled in 1946 at A. Overholt & Co. in Broad Ford, Pa. A classic Monongahela rye, this whiskey was produced just after the end of Prohibition.
1970s Sam Thompson Straight Rye - 4 Years Old, 86 Proof. This whiskey was distilled by legendary master distiller Dick Stoll at Pennsylvania Michter’s in the late 1970s. Though it contains a portion of corn, it is one of the best and most elusive examples of late-era Pennsylvania rye, and is literally from one of the last batches of the historic Sam Thompson brand.
The tasting will be hosted in our elegant new Overholt Stateroom in the Whiskey Heritage Center of our Museum. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit mission of West Overton Village. Please note that accessing the Whiskey Heritage Center requires climbing stairs, and we are currently fundraising for an elevator. Please contact us with any questions.
Today, West Overton is considered the spiritual home of the Overholt brand, now produced by James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Kentucky. Overholt is considered the longest standing American whiskey brand - maintained continuously with an unbroken chain of ownership since 1810.
Tickets here.
Sponsored by Sam Komlenic and Curt Kolcun
Recommended Lodging
South Broadway Manor - historic inn located in Scottdale where a stash of 1912 Old Farm whiskey was discovered, 2.5 miles away
Scottdale Historical Society - Victorian era B&B in Scottdale, 1.5 miles away
Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh New Stanton - 10 miles away
Fairfield Inn & Suites Pittsburgh New Stanton - 10.5 miles away
Comfort Inn - Connellsville - 9.5 miles away