Category: History

UnCommon Grain

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Honored to announce UnCommon Grain, an upcoming photo exhibit at The American Whiskey Convention. Photographed by Jordan Bush, the exhibit features photographs of Dick Stoll’s first distillation of Rosen Rye in nearly five decades.

Learn more about Dick Stoll’s Return of Rosen Rye.

From Jordan Bush: “I am thrilled to announce “Uncommon Grain” at the American Whiskey Convention this April. The exhibit documents Stoll & Wolfe Whiskey distilling Rosen Rye, a grain brought back to life made possible by many hands to make a rare type of Pennsylvania rye whiskey not seen in decades. Distillation was photographed over two days using black and white Kodak 35mm film.”

A limited number of photographs and prints from the exhibit will be available for sale at American Whiskey Convention and Stoll & Wolfe Distillery Tasting Room.

To view the exhibit, get American Whiskey Convention tickets here.

Jordan Bush is a Lancaster County based Photographer and Writer. The current author of Lancaster County Magazine’s Foodographer column, Jordan’s journey to capture compelling images spans five continents and a diverse range of subjects from professional sports to man made and ecological disasters, as well as current and past Presidents and VPs.

Rosen Rye Release

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30yrs ago today Dick Stoll locked the doors to the historic Pennsylvania Michters Distillery for the last time in history. Today, a new chapter begins. We’re releasing 60 bottles of White Rosen Rye Whiskey available via lottery. Winners announced 2/29. Please visit our site for more info, pricing & entry form. https://www.stollandwolfe.com/rosen

Want to learn more Rosen Rye’s return to PA Whiskey?

Read about the journey from grain to glass. Mashing Rosen Rye Distilling Rosen Rye and Distiller Magazine documents Dick Stoll’s Return to Rosen Rye.

American Whiskey Convention Presents Uncommon Grain by Jordan Bush.

The American Whiskey Convention is proud to present: “Uncommon Grain”, an original art installation by Photographer Jordan Bush. An exclusive selected series of still images taken at Stoll & Wolfe Distillery on September 7th, 2019; the historic day when Rosen rye was distilled into whiskey for the first time in over 50 years. Learn more about American Whiskey Convention in Philadelphia and Get Your Tickets.

Uncommon Grain by Jordan Bush

Distilling Bourbon

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Column Still Running at Stoll and Wolfe Distillery

Still cooking away at Stoll and Wolfe distilling Bourbon using the same recipe and process Dick Stoll learned from his mentor Charles E. Beam.

At Stoll and Wolfe we are humbled to learn from such an accomplished teacher and honored/daunted to help preserve and represent a legacy of dedication and hard work of making small batch spirits by hand.

Visit out site to learn more about Dick Stoll’s Legacy and 250 years of local whiskey production.

Dick Stoll and Return to Rosen Rye in Distiller Magazine

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Thank you to Distiller Magazine and David Furer for visiting Stoll & Wolfe last September for Dick Stoll’s return to distilling Rosen Rye Whiskey in Pennsylvania. The project, made possible by Laura Fields Seed Spark Campaign and Greg Roth with Penn State’s Agriculture Department is the result of years of their dedication and hard work.

The Return of Rosen Rye

“Until the 1970s, Rosen was one of the dominant types of rye grown in Pennsylvania, owing in no small part to having been marketed by (Pennsylvania) Michter’s as a preferred distilling grain since the 1950s. It’s taken four years of growing Fields’ Keystone Rosen rye to yield her enough for a distillation run using over 500 pounds of rye for a 1,000-pound mash that included corn and barley, producing about 50 gallons of spirit.”

  • From Left: Avianna Wolfe, Jim Wolfe, Dick Stoll, Laura Fields, Erik Wolfe, Elaine Stoll and Greg Roth
  • Robert McDonald planting another crop of Rosen Rye in Western, PA.
  • Laura Fields and Erik Wolfe with Aging Rye Whiskey at Stoll & Wolfe in Lititz, Pennsylvania.

To read the full article of The Return of Rosen Rye by David Furer visit Distiller Magazine here.

  • Click here to learn more about Mashing Rosen Rye.
  • Click here to learn more about Dick Stoll’s Return to Rosen Rye.

Today marks 29 years and 11 months since Dick Stoll last closed the doors to the Historic Pennsylvania Michter’s Distillery, February 14th 2020 is the 30th Anniversary of the historic closing.

Distillery Tours and Tastings

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Production Tours and Guided Whiskey Tastings at Stoll and Wolfe

Experience 250 years of local whiskey making traditions as we demystify the process of transforming grain into whiskey. We’ll discuss the equipment, techniques and science behind the journey of grain to your glass.

Tours are offered most Saturdays and begin at 2pm. Tours cost $15, last 1 hour and include a Guided Tasting of 3 (.5oz) samples. Visit here for a list of available dates and to book online. Guests must be 21 or older to participate in tasting.

What’s a Guided Tasting?
Experience 3 (.5oz) pours of our award winning spirits as we discuss the art and science of tasting whiskey. Whether you’re a die hard whiskey fan or don’t know a brewery from a distillery – we’re true geeks who love to share.

Visit our Eventbrite Page for a Full Schedule of Events including Tours and Classes or to Purchase Tickets.

Want to arrange a Private Tasting for Your Group? Email us or call to learn more.

West Overton Whiskey Smash

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West Overton Whiskey Smash Logo

Visit Stoll and Wolfe on November 16th at the 2019 West Overton Whiskey Smash. We’ll be on hand pouring our award winning whiskeys and talking Pennsylvania Whiskey past, present and future.

We’ll also be donating 1 of 50 bottles released of Stoll & Wolfe Un Aged Rosen Rye. Signed by Master Distiller Dick Stoll, this bottling is the first Rosen Rye sold in Pennsylvania in nearly 50yrs.

From the Whiskey Smash Site:

“Bring your love of whiskey and join us for our 5th annual Whiskey Smash on Saturday, November 16th. The Whiskey Smash celebrates local craft distilleries and the re-surging popularity craft whiskey and distilled products. As our signature annual event, The Whiskey Smash, provides for ongoing preservation and interpretation efforts.

Distillers and representatives from Barrel 21 Distillery, Dad’s Hat Rye, Liberty Pole Spirits, Red Pump Spirits, Stoll & Wolfe Distillery, and Tall Pines Distillery will be stationed throughout the museum sharing and discussing their products with attendees. Light fare, desserts, cocktails and beverages are included with admission. Live music from tribute vocalist Janie Poole will entertain with standards ranging from Patsy Cline to Motown Hits.  Join us learn about distilling and sample various whiskeys and spirits. This an evening you won’t forget!“

To learn more about the event and purchase tickets click here.

Dick Stoll Distills Rosen Rye

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Column still churning away as Dick Stoll distills Rosen Rye for 1st time in 50 years at Stoll and Wolfe Distillery. Learn more about the journey from 5ozs of seed to 500lbs of grain here.

Dick Stoll distills Rosen Rye Whiskey for first time in 50 years at Stoll and Wolfe.

Thank you to everyone including Delaware Valley Fields Foundation‘s SeedSpark Campign, the Agriculture Department of Penn State University, the many Pennsylvania Farmers who turned 5ozs of seed into 500lbs over 4 years, and team of friends/colleagues who’ve shared so freely of themselves and their knowledge.

PENNSYLVANIA WHISKEY BLOG: 1st BATCH OF ROSEN RYE IN DECADES.

“American whiskey nerds rejoice- Stoll & Wolfe Distillery in Lititz, PA has done a thing. A big thing. One of the amazing and unique things about the rye whiskey that was distilled in Pennsylvania is that much of it was made with a variety of rye called Rosen rye. On the earliest Michter’s jugs, it was even specifically called out as the variety of grain used to produce the Michter’s Pot Still Whiskey.”  Read the full post.

FERMENTED ADVENTURE: HISTORY IN THE DISTILLING

“Dick Stoll was the last man to distill Rosen rye into whiskey at Michter’s Distillery in Schaefferstown, Pa. Liquid began to flow into the still and Dick looked on with a very watchful eye. It was an emotional moment for Erik Wolfe as he explained the process of what was about to take place in the distillation. Finally, all of the hard work and preparation would become a reality.” Read the full post.

Mashing Rosen Rye

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Dick Stoll’s First Rosen Rye Mash in 50 Years

At 9am this morning Dick Stoll opened the steam valve heating Rosen Rye mash for the first time in 50 years. Thank you to everyone who came out to witness the occasion. Now the mash is cooked and cooled, yeast is pitched and fermentation is bubbling away.

Dick Stoll mashes Rosen Rye Whiskey at Stoll and Wolfe Distillery.
Dick Stoll inspects Rosen Rye Mash at Stoll and Wolfe.

The project is made possible through tireless efforts by Delaware Valley Fields Foundation’s SeedSpark Campaign and the Agricultural Department at Penn State University in State College, PA. We’re thankful to be involved in such a historic project and appreciate their years of hard work and dedication to returning Rosen Rye to Pennsylvania.

Started in 2015 with only 5 ozs of grain sourced from the USDA, after four harvests there’s enough grain to spare 500lbs for distillation while ensuring enough seed for next year’s crop.

2019 Whiskey Rebellion – Recap.

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Thank you to everyone who braved the July heat and stopped by the inaugural Whiskey Rebellion Whiskey Tasting Tour in Washington, PA.

Always a pleasure to help celebrate 225 years of Pennsylvania Whiskey History while raising money for The Bradford House Historical Association.

Stoll and Wolfe Rye Whiskey and Stoll and Wolfe Bourbon Whiskey bottles on display at the Whiskey Rebellion Festival.
David Bradford House Donation Sign at 2019 Whiskey Rebellion Festival in Washington Pennsylvania.

Thank you to Liberty Pole Spirits family for inviting us to be a part of such a fun event and to Countryside Frame Shop for your hospitality. Rumor has it, plans are already in the works for next year’s festivities.

Whiskey Rebellion Festival

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If you’re a fan of American History, American Whiskey or a bit of both, visit Stoll & Wolfe at the upcoming Whiskey Rebellion Festival in Washington, PA. We’ll be on hand Saturday July 14th from 12-4pm to pour samples, and talk PA and Lancaster County Whiskey History. We’ll also have bottles of our Bourbon & Rye Whiskey for sale at the event.

“While the Whiskey Rebellion may be 225 years ago in history, whiskey distillers from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are once again rallying together in Washington Pennsylvania this summer at the 10th Annual Whiskey Rebellion Festival. 

This year’s festival will highlight the craft distilling movement which is booming across the state. More than a dozen Pennsylvania distillers will be paired with local shops in and around the festival grounds along Main Street in Washington PA.

Participants will receive a souvenir sampling glass and distillery locator map at the check-in point before exploring the festival grounds and the National Road Historic Corridor.”

To Learn More and Purchase Tickets Visit their Site Here.

DICK STOLL AT AMERICAN WHISKEY CONVENTION

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Join us Friday, April 5th 2019 for the American Whiskey Convention hosted by the Delaware Valley Fields Association at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology. We’ll be on hand to pour our award winning Bourbon & Rye Whiskeys. Legendary Master Pennsylvania Distiller Dick Stoll will be there to talk PA Whiskey Past, Present and Future.

Click Here for More Information and to Purchase Tickets.

From their site:

“Mr. Stoll is the last member of a near extinguished legacy of distillers pre-dating the country itself; representing generations of dedication, commitment and skill hand crafting Pennsylvania Whiskey. 
Mr. Stoll began his distilling career in 1955 as a laborer and worked his way up to his role as master distiller of Pennsylvania’s Michter’s Distillery.
Trained by C Everett Beam in both the Beam Family and Historical Pennsylvania Style, Dick served as both Master Distiller and unofficial steward of Pennsylvania-made whiskey. He is also, notably, the distiller behind the famed and highly collectible A.H. Hirsch Bourbon.”

“The American Whiskey Convention is an annual event, hosted by the Delaware Valley Fields Foundation, where you’ll interact with whiskey experts, distillers, maltsters and farmers. Each year, we create an event that celebrates American-made products and the men and women that craft them. We aim to educate and entertain our guests with exciting event venues, interactive displays, expert whiskey vendors, custom catering, and educational forums. Our guests participate in a grand tasting event, enjoy tailored items, accessories, straight-edge shaves, handmade luxury goods, jewelry and more. All of this takes place within the city of Philadelphia, a city rich with American whiskey history. We have returned whiskey to the state of Pennsylvania where American rye whiskey was born.” Follow links for more on the American Whiskey Convention and the Delaware Valley Fields Foundation.

Lancaster Pennsylvania Whiskey Past, Present and Future

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Pre Prohibition Grain Ledger from Historic Bomberger’s Distillery. 
Photo by Jordan Bush from December 2018 Issue of Lancaster County Magazine

“Whether or not you’re a whiskey drinker, it’s difficult to imagine Lancaster’s countryside filled with rye fields and dotted with distilleries. Such a scenario existed during the 18th and early 19th centuries. According to an article read before the Lancaster County Historical Society in the 1920s, 183 distilleries had existed in Lancaster County in 1813. Twenty-seven years later, just ahead of the temperance movement and the Civil War, the county total fell to 102 distilleries (along with 135 grist mills and eight breweries).

A Perfect Recipe

What was the reason behind the proliferation of distilleries? A need grew out an abundance of rye grain harvested across the region’s farmlands. A surplus of rye could fall plague to ergot mold, a hallucinogenic, which some theorize spurred on the Salem Witch Trials. Rather than let crops go to waste, farmers could preserve their rye yield and turn it into a tradable commodity, a currency by the gallon or barrel.”

Click here to read the full article on the Lancaster County Magazine Site.

Boehm Transitions to Beam

“If I may interject a bit of foreshadowing before we temporarily depart from the subject of Kentucky, it’s of note that many early frontier-bound settlers traveled through Pennsylvania. Jacob Boehm was one of them, emigrating from Germany in 1740 to what is now Berks County, which was once a part of Lancaster County. The Boehm family owned land purchased from William Penn in Willow Street, where the Boehm Chapel stands to this day. The family name later changed to one you may find more familiar, “Beam,” which we see today on thousands of bourbon bottles from Kentucky. In 1788, Jacob moved to Kentucky ahead of a legal revolution in the distilling community.”

Click here to read the full article on the Lancaster County Magazine Site.