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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
First batch of Stoll & Wolfe Apple Brandy fermenting away using 5 varieties of apples grown on a family farm less than 2 miles from our distillery. It’s also the first Apple Brandy (legally) fermented in Lancaster County since Prohibition.
A swig of Applejack a day will keep the doctor away” was more apt to be the slogan of our ancestors than the familiar one heard today.
Hiram Eberly “Spirits of Warwick Township
With a documented history of local farmers growing apples for alcohol production stretching back to the 1730’s and detailed records of (Jim and Erik’s) ancestor John George Klein’s orchards on distillery property dating back to the 1750’s, we’re honored to return the tradition to Lancaster County and eager for what the future holds for Stoll & Wolfe Apple Brandy.
Local historian Hiram Eberly wrote: “A swig of Applejack a day will keep the doctor away” was more apt to be the slogan of our ancestors than the familiar one heard today. While corn and rye were among the first crops the German Settlers planted after the forest was cleared, they lost no time in starting orchards.
These were ‘cash crops’ that could be sold by the ‘gallon’ when necessary.
Reference is made in the Royer Family History that during the 1730’s Sebastian Royer who is credited with settling Brickerville “did a thriving business with the Indians, trading his famous ‘Ciderlung’”. The Nanticokes were then on a reservation nearby adjoining the Brubaker and Eberly tracts.
Before the still was available our first farmers would put down as much as fifty barrels of hard apple cider every fall. After the water content froze the hard stuff would be removed and the demand was constant throughout the cold winter months.
Grain whiskies were valued as medicines. While some of the old reliable Indians’ remedies were soon adopted, they were seldom used without alcohol being added to increase their efficiency and these became our first patent medicines. Alcohol was the one sedative available then and practically everybody drank to some degree. They got an early start for peevish infants were often given a soothing mixture of Paregoric and spirits. The eye-opener was quite popular among early risers. Then there would be “lifts” and appetizers during the day, finally ending with a nightcap — and all from the same jug.
Grain was hard to transport to the city markets and oft times just as hard to keep from spoiling when stored. The very survival of many of our first settlers depended on turning their crops into “liquid” which could easily be carried to the city and sold for cash.
Life was hard and short for most of our ancestors and they felt that strong drink was a necessity of life. In fact they did not live long enough to realize the effects of prolonged over drinking as something else was sure to get them first. They knew that spirits disinfected, brought warmth as well as good humor and cheer to their uncomfortable lot.
The first commercial distillery in operation in Lititz is believed to have been built in Rome along the Lititz creek in the 1760’s. What became of it is a mystery but we do know that a thriving business was done at the Inn in the Pilgerhaus (Hershey Apartments until 2008). It can also be assumed that George Klein’s interest in large orchards was not due to an excess demand for applebutter. When the Inn moved to the new Zum Anker building (Sutter Hotel), it became so popular that the Church Fathers complained that too many young people were getting drunk on Sundays. Later on it was ruled that no one should be served drinks at the Inn on Easter and Christmas “except in cases of necessity.” – Hiram Eberly “Spirits of Warwick Township“
Rye Whiskey distilling in our custom column still and doubler. Hand made in Kentucky using over 2,000 pounds of copper, our still was custom built to craft our Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey and Bourbon. Our sweet mash PA Rye is made with local Pennsylvania Rye and Corn using the recipe taught to Dick Stoll by Charlie Beam. After distilling we proof our white whiskey down to 109 before barreling in 53 gallon barrels for 2+ years.
53 Gallon barrel freshly stenciled and waiting to be filled,
With hot, humid summers and cold winters Eastern Pennsylvania offers a unique climate to age our whiskeys. Planning a trip to Lancaster County? Visit us the Tasting Room or plan a tour and tasting.
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.
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.
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 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.
Lost Heritage Rye Grain Becomes New Pennsylvania Whiskey
For the first time in decades, the long-lost heritage grain, Rosen rye, will be distilled into rye whiskey in Pennsylvania! “The last man to distill Rosen rye into whiskey at the historic Michter’s Distillery in Schaefferstown, Pa will be the first to distill it here again,” said Laura Fields, founder of the American Whiskey Convention and CEO of the non-profit, The Delaware Valley Fields Foundation.
“Dick Stoll, of Stoll & Wolfe Distillery, is a legend in distilling, and it is an honor to deliver our Rosen rye grain into his very capable hands.”
Laura Fields, CEO Delaware Valley Fields Foundation
Since 2015, Rosen rye seeds have been cultivated and re-planted on agricultural test plots in State College, PA to produce enough usable grain to distill into whiskey. The Delaware Valley Fields Foundation’s SeedSpark Campaign has gone from 5 ounces of Rosen rye sourced from the USDA to over 900 pounds today! 500 lbs of that rye grain will placed into fermenters on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 and distilled into rye whiskey on Saturday, September 7th at Stoll & Wolfe Distillery.
About Delaware Valley Fields Foundation The Delaware Valley Fields Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes local farming and its history. The organization works with farmers and other non-profits to bring attention to the vital role small farming plays in communities. Members educate the public through events including the American Whiskey Convention. To learn more, visit delvalfieldsfoundation.org.
SeedSpark Campaign The Delaware Valley Fields Foundation’s Seed Spark Campaign is funded by their annual event, the American Whiskey Convention, which takes place each spring in Philadelphia. Each resurrected seed varietal is offered to local farmers once enough seed has been propagated and well-documented research trials have determined which farming practices can be utilized to grow the healthiest and most viable crop.
Rosen Rye Seeds
What is a Heritage Grain? “When Prohibition was enacted, it wasn’t just alcohol production that stopped. Many grains stopped being produced due to the sudden drop in demand. When farmers shifted their attention to other crops, their knowledge and use of those old crops slowly faded away. These are the “lost grains” that we now call heritage grains. Due to changes in local agricultural land use, climate and soil health, many of these seeds (which have not been planted in decades) face challenges that can seem daunting to a modern local farmer. The Delaware Valley Fields Foundation is making every effort to remove any costly “trial and error” period from the farmer’s workload by providing them with growing directions and guidelines for a successful crop using these heritage seeds.
Heritage grains can be very important to the local Pennsylvania economy. If we can help establish these grains with farmers and producers, we can create an industry that is unique to Pennsylvania helping to provide a premier identity for the region. Seed Spark is working to bring back some of those “lost” grains for which the region was once famous. We are working with United States Department of Agriculture Research Service, local universities and farmers to resurrect these treasures. In doing so, we will help kick start economic development in the Delaware Valley and across the state.” -Delaware Valley Fields Foundation
Honored to announce Stoll and Wolfe Blend of Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys scored 93 “Excellent, Highly Recommended” at the recent 2019 Ultimate Spirits Competition in New York. The whiskey received additional honors as a Top 3 Finish in Category earning a Finalist Award.
A Blend of 80% Bourbon and 20% Rye our Blend of Straight Bourbon and Straight Rye Whiskeys is Non Chill Filtered and Bottled at 86 Proof.
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.
“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.
