As the leaves turn and the air crisps up in Pennsylvania's rolling hills, there's something timeless about settling into a favorite chair with a glass that tells a story. Liberty Pole Spirits, tucked away in Washington County, has built its name on just that—turning local grains into whiskeys that feel like old friends gathered 'round the fire. This holiday season, the distillery is rolling out a lineup of limited-edition releases that go beyond the bottle. They're a nod to the grit of hands-on craft, the spark of teaming up with neighbors, and the quiet satisfaction of sharing something rare with the people who matter. For guys who appreciate a pour that packs depth without the fuss, these drops from founder Jim Hough's crew are worth marking the calendar for.
Liberty Pole isn't some factory churn; it's a grain-to-glass operation where every step—from milling the rye to watching barrels breathe—happens under one roof. That means control, character, and a connection to the land that shines through in every sip. Hough and his team have spent years honing this approach, experimenting with finishes that pull flavors from unexpected places. This fall and winter, they're unleashing four standouts, each timed just right for the rush of gatherings, gifts, and those stolen moments of reflection. Whether you're hunting for a standout under the tree or a nightcap that lingers, these whiskeys promise to elevate the season without overcomplicating it.
Kicking things off early is a partnership that's got brewers and distillers nodding in approval: the American Single Malt cooked up with Rusty Gold Brewery. Dropping on October 24, this one's priced at $79.99 and already stirring buzz among folks who chase that perfect balance of innovation and tradition. Rusty Gold, another Washington County outfit, brewed their Pike Street Amber Ale specially for Liberty Pole—minus the hops, to let the grains sing solo. From there, Liberty Pole distilled it into a smooth American Single Malt, letting it mature in a mix of new and seasoned American oak barrels. The payoff? Layers that unfold like a well-worn trail: think strawberry preserves up front, a whisper of Earl Grey tea in the middle, and a buttery biscuit finish that grounds it all. It's the kind of dram that bridges worlds—brewing's lively fizz meeting distilling's patient depth—reminding you how two crafts can build something bigger when they lean on each other. For anyone who's ever swapped stories over a pint or a pour, this collaboration feels like home turf.
Come Thanksgiving Eve, November 26, the real ritual unfolds with the Triple Single Barrel Release—a tradition that's become as reliable as the turkey itself. At $74 a pop, these three rye whiskeys are the heart of Liberty Pole's playbook: each one handpicked from a single barrel after a full year soaking up its finish. They're bottled straight at proof, no messing with dilution, and they'll vanish fast from the distillery shelves. Start with the Mead Finished Rye, born from a team-up with Apis Meadery in nearby Carnegie. This Monongahela-style rye, already punchy with its classic spice, gets a gentle twist from a year in a mead barrel. Honeyed sweetness creeps in, laced with floral hints that soften the edges without dulling the fire—it's bold yet approachable, like a conversation that starts sharp and ends warm.
Lew Bryson, the whiskey scribe who's seen more barrels than most, couldn't hold back his praise after tasting it. “The whiskey was a first for me: a mead-finished rye, done in a barrel that held mead from Apis Mead and Winery in Carnegie, PA. It was delicious! A lush finish, and a soaring mid-palate… and if you know my writing well, I NEVER talk about the ‘mid-palate,’ but this demanded mention. Good stuff, and bottles are coming out at the distillery on the day before Thanksgiving.” Words like that don't come easy from a guy who's picky about his pours, and they capture why this one's a keeper—unexpected lift in the middle that makes you pause and savor.
Then there's the Port Finished Rye, where tawny port barrels work their magic over a full year. Rye's natural kick gets tamed just enough by waves of berry sweetness, rolling into a finish that's long and smooth, like the last light fading over the Monongahela Valley. It's elegant without apology, the sort of whiskey that pairs with a quiet evening or a lively debate at the table. Rounding out the trio is the PX Finished Mesquite Rye, a bolder beast that dives into Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for its year-long rest. Mesquite smoke curls through, balanced by the sherry's deep, raisin-like richness—think campfire embers meeting a dark fruit compote. It's got that rugged edge for nights when the weather turns mean, but the layers keep it from tipping into one-note territory.
These single barrels aren't just releases; they're proof of what happens when you let time and wood do the talking. Liberty Pole's approach—sourcing local, finishing deliberate—turns rye, America's workhorse spirit, into something that honors its roots while pushing boundaries. If you've got a soft spot for the spice that defined early American drams, this set will hit like a memory you didn't know you needed.
As December deepens, the Double-Oaked Bourbon lands on December 20 for $74, capping the season with a glow that's pure comfort. Liberty Pole starts it right: initial aging in a fresh, charred oak barrel to build the base. Then, for an extra year, it shifts to a second barrel— heavy toast on the inside, medium char for that kiss of smoke. What emerges is a bourbon that wraps around you: caramel that's rich and sticky, vanilla that warms from the inside out, and toasted oak that echoes like a hearth fire on a frosty night. It's indulgent, sure, but grounded in the distillery's signature depth—the kind that stands up to holiday chaos or settles into a solo unwind. Pour it neat by the window, watching snow dust the fields, and you've got the essence of winter in Pennsylvania.
Jim Hough puts it plain and true: “These releases represent everything we love about whiskey making - experimentation, collaboration, and a deep connection to our community. They’re meant to be shared, whether as a special holiday gift or around the table with those you love.” Coming from the man who started Liberty Pole to keep craft alive in his backyard, it's more than a tagline—it's the why behind every barrel.
All of it goes on sale in limited runs at the distillery's Meetinghouse in Washington, Pennsylvania—a spot that's less showroom, more clubhouse for serious sippers. Stone walls, wooden beams, and that faint barrel-house scent draw folks from across the map, turning a quick pickup into an afternoon of talk and tastings. Get there early; these bottles don't stick around. It's the hospitality that seals it—staff who know the stories behind each pour, ready to crack one open if you're inclined.
In a world of shelf-stable sameness, Liberty Pole's holiday lineup stands out by staying close to what matters: local hands, bold risks, and whiskeys that taste like they've got roots. Whether you're gifting the set to a buddy who's earned it or claiming one for the shelf that sees you through January's gray, these releases are built for the long haul. Head to libertypolespirits.com for the full rundown, or keep an eye on @libertypolespirits for peeks behind the scenes. This season, let a glass from Washington County remind you: the best toasts are the ones that linger.
