Just when you think you’ve seen it all, in terms of local craft beverages that pay homage to PA icons (here’s looking at you, ReAnimator Coffee’s Foles-gers and Broken Goblet Brewing‘s Gritty-themed Nightmare Fuel cream ale), Threadbare Cider and Wigle Whiskey bust out with Groundhog Day-themed drinks: In mid-January, the two Pittsburgh-based sister companies are paying homage to one of PA’s quirkiest and most-beloved traditions with the release of Phil’s Shadow Whiskey and Phil’s Burrow Cider, both of which feature Punxsutawney Phil on the label.
Phil’s Shadow is made from Wigle’s Organic Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey, which is aged in 25-gallon oak casks for at least eighteen months, then transferred to two 53-gallon casks that once contained maple syrup from a regional maple farm. The whiskey is allowed to rest for another six months, during which time it absorbs the earthy sweetness of the maple barrel. Once complete, Phil’s Shadow is redolent with notes of maple, vanilla and baking spices. The pitch-perfect label on the bottle is the work of Pittsburgh-based artist Jen Joyce (who has designed other Wigle labels) and illustrates a very cute Phil caught between winter and spring. This whiskey is a limited-edition release, and is available for pre-order via Wigle’s online shop for Pennsylvania residents, and on January 17, will also be sold at Wigle locations and limited PLCB stores throughout the state. Don’t miss out on the accompanying Phil rocks glasses!
Threadbare’s Phil’s Burrow Cider is a rum-raisin cider from a blend of Pennsylvania dessert and baking apples. The cider is fermented dry with a mixed culture yeast. After fermentation, the cider is transferred to spent rum barrels that were once home to Wigle Whiskey’s Landlocked Spiced Rum and Dunder Rum. After a three-month rest, Threadbare adds a whopping 50 pounds of chopped raisins and 2.5 pounds of ground cinnamon, which macerated for 3 days. Clocking in at 9.8% ABV (ideal for a frosty winter evening), Phil’s Burrow is off-dry, and offers notes of vanilla, rum, marzipan, orange zest and baking spices. The inspiration for this cider style was from the historic New England-style cider (we’re talking Colonial times), which is a strong, spiced, barrel-aged beverage that would have been found in this region. Traditionally, New English-style cider was made with apples, maple sugar and sap, brown sugar, honey, and raisins, fermented and aged in oak barrels, which likely could have been rum barrels due to the trade connection between New England and the Caribbean during the time period. This special cider will be released on Saturday, January 18; pre-orders are available on Threadbare’s website, and a charming cider glass is also being release for the occasion!
Don’t miss the release parties for these two beverages: On Friday, January 17, from 6 to 9 p.m., Wigle Whiskey Distillery will host Phil-a-Palooza, a fun even with featured cocktails and sampling, and — wait for it —a visited from Punxsutawney Phil himself, and his Inner Circle, for photos. Tickets to the event are $12 and you can pick them up on Wigle’s website.
Then, on Saturday, January 18, Threadbare will also play host to Phil at its Cider House along with the release of Phil’s Burrow cider. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests will enjoy lunch, Groundhog Day children’s activities and photo opps with the famous groundhog. This event is free!
Both events are collaborations with the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, the organization that puts on Groundhog Day each year. A portion of both bottle sales will support the Groundhog Club’s efforts to continue this remarkable Pennsylvania tradition!
Find Wigle Whiskey Distillery and Tasting Room at 2401 Smallman St. in Pittsburgh; phone: (412) 224-2827.
Find Threadbare Cider House at 1291 Spring Garden Ave., in Pittsburgh; phone: (412) 322-5100.
- Photos: Threadbare Cider & Wigle Whiskey
