We are headed back to a familiar place. Pennsylvania, it calls me back again. Jim over at Liberty Pole is producing some great stuff. And it shows not only in flavor but also in passion. I really hope you enjoy.

Thewhiskeyshaman.com

Libertypolespirits.com

Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3

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About the Houghs

Liberty Pole Spirits is a family owned and operated craft whiskey distillery started by Jim, Ellen, Rob and Kevin Hough in July 2016. The Houghs, longtime residents of Washington County, Pennsylvania got the distilling bug in the early 2000's when Jim bought a 10 gallon still off the interwebs to learn the art of distilling. As Jim was contemplating retirement he began to think about what he could do for a second act. After visiting numerous craft distilleries and having developed some pretty solid whiskey mash bills, Jim was able to convince Ellen that opening a craft whiskey distillery just might be a fun retirement activity. Rob and Kevin, both mechanical engineering graduates who were on their own promising career paths, decided they didn't want their parents to have all the fun and joined the family business. With Rob and Kevin running production, Ellen creating the best craft cocktail and whiskey experience this side of Kentucky, and Jim greeting customers and talking whiskey in the tasting room, Liberty Pole Spirits was born.

The distillery started as a 300 gallon operation and expanded to a 600 gallon operation in 2019 and moved to a distillery campus in July of 2023 where we were able to triple our production.

Our Story

In 1791, Washington County, Pennsylvania, was a heavily wooded wilderness at the headwaters of the Ohio River. Many Scotch-Irish veterans of the Revolutionary War had returned to the area and the rocky farms that they had established before the War. They struggled against the weather and disease, and being far from the East Coast, enjoyed few luxuries.

But through the rugged ingenuity of the brave Colonists, one of the first American Industries was born. Whiskey. For years, the grain that wasn't consumed was preserved in the form of distilled spirits. It was safer to drink than contaminated water, eased pain and suffering, and improved the spirits of friends and neighbors. It was easy to ship over the mountains in barrels on backs of mules or down the Ohio River to the Mississippi and up the coast to Boston.

It was then that the government of our new nation saw the opportunity, through the imposition of an excise tax on whiskey, to pay off the debts owed to the allies who had helped to win independence from tyranny. Yet, the farmers of Washington County were struggling mightily to keep their land and grow crops. Having no cash, they used their whiskey to barter for goods and supplies that they needed for daily life. Whiskey-making provided their best chance to survive. This is why they saw the tax as an imposition of an arrogant, out-of-touch, new government.

So they gathered together secretly in a meetinghouse near Mingo Creek and vowed not to pay the tax. They were the first men to oppose an act of the new government, and they vowed to stick together. They called themselves the Mingo Creek Society.

As a symbol of their unity, they planted Liberty Poles throughout the county.

Years later, the stories of their defiance are preserved in museums, churches and cemeteries around the county.

Now, heritage grain once again grows in the same soil they so dearly loved, travels down the paved paths upon which they drove the whiskey-laden mule trains, and arrives at the new Mingo Creek Meetinghouse where it is distilled and enjoyed by the next generation of the Mingo Creek Society.

And this time, the Liberty Pole is displayed on the label of each whiskey bottle and symbolizes the loving appreciation for a craft that once again is bringing livelihood to a proud community.

Today we are headed to Ireland. Crossing the pond is a big step for this show. And it shows in the blessing that is Shane McCarthy. Amazing talk and the whisky isnt bad either. Hope you enjoy.

Twostackswhiskey.com

thewhiskeyshaman.com

Badmotivatorbarrel.com/shop/?aff=3

https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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Two Stacks Signature Blend 43% ABV

Suits: The whiskey novice or those looking to explore alternative Irish whiskey styles.

A good all-rounder. Approachable & versatile.

This modern Irish blend revives the art of whiskey bonding, combining grain, malt, and pot still whiskey for an ultra-smooth, versatile spirit - ideal for sipping or mixing.

Simple Tasting Notes

Nose: Honey, vanilla, toasted oak, and a touch of citrus

Palate: Smooth and balanced with caramel, spice, and dried fruit

Finish: Light, clean, and slightly sweet

More about the pour:

For many decades, blended Irish whiskey was little more than an afterthought - a high-volume, low-cost product with uniform characteristics: the same ABV, taste, and finish, all derived from the same base spirit.

The First Cut was inspired by a desire to transform this perception and craft a blend with true distinction. This unique combination highlights a diverse range of matured spirits, making it a trailblazer in the category. Renowned for its robust and approachable profile, it was also the first Irish whiskey available in a can, breaking new ground in the industry.

Why not try – The Classic Two Stacks Signature Highball

Ingredients:

50ml Two Stacks Signature Blend

150ml Soda Water or Ginger

Lemon Peel Garnish

Method:

Fill a highball glass with ice.

Pour in whiskey and top with soda.

Stir gently and garnish with a lemon peel.

Glassware: Highball Glass

Ireland once had a rich history of cask bonding. A key lifeblood to the industry, where many towns and cities across the country had family ran businesses, big and small operating as bonders, grocers and merchants.

Yes we can... Bringing you Whiskey on the move!

The Two Stacks — Dram in a Can is the world’s first Irish whiskey in a can, serving the same great flavour profile and focus on quality spirit as the rest of our family of whiskey. Perfect for on the move, out with friends or even just a solo dram in the great outdoors. Enjoy your Dram the way you want!

Sustainability

Our focus on eco-friendly practices is not just a commitment; it is a reflection of our broader vision. Through sustainable operations and conscious choices in every aspect of our product, TWO Stacks Irish Whiskey aspires to set a standard for responsible business practices within the spirits community

Two Stacks is part of a new and adventurous chapter in Irish whiskey, and we want you to help us tell its tale!

Ireland once had a rich history of cask bonding. A key lifeblood to the industry, where many towns and cities across the country had family ran businesses, big and small operating as bonders, grocers and merchants. Purchasing directly from established distilleries, the casks were left to mature before its subsequent bottling under the respective owner’s own label.

With the demise of the Irish whiskey industry in the early 20th century, only a handful of these great brands have survived to this day, and with it, the light that shines on this tradition was nearly extinguished for good.