Mid-Atlantic Rye Whiskey Founders
(The Mid-Atlantic Rye Region includes Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia & West Virginia)
PENNSYLVANIA WHISKEY FOUNDERS
(NOTE: FOUNDERS ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Below is a list and links to Whiskey Founders that have made huge contributions to the growth of the Mid-Atlantic Rye Whiskey Industry. These may have been historical figures that lived long ago before prohibition or may be living leaders that have advanced the cause of the industry as a whole. Mid-Atlantic Rye Whiskey has been its own whiskey category for years.
1
Abraham Bomberger
Abraham Shenk Bomberger was a descendent of the Shenk family; the first Swiss Mennonite settlers in Pennsylvania. The Shenk brothers, John & Michael, were in the farming and milling business, and began distilling rye whiskey in Schaefferstown, in 1753. After changing hands, Abraham successfully ran the distillery, he rebuilt and expanded the still house, warehouse, and jug house and significantly increased production. By all accounts, Bomberger’s rye whiskey was considered first class.
3
Samuel Dillinger, of German descent, was born in East Huntingdon Township in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania on October 28, 1810. As a teenager, Samuel was employed by Martin Stauffer, near Jacob’s Creek, and it is believed that this is where he learned the business of distilling. Martin Stauffer was married to Elizabeth Overholt, who was the half-sister of Abraham Overholt.
Samuel Dillenger
2
E.G. Booz
Did you ever wonder where the term “booze” may have originated? In 1840, Edmund G. Booz, a Philadelphia liquor merchant and importer, came up with the idea of partnering with his neighbor Walnut Street Whitney Glassworks to create an entire unique whiskey brand niche that remains popular today. As the American Civil War approached, glass became hugely expensive, and because of this, whiskey was rarely sold in individual bottles.
5
John Gibson
John Gibson, an Irish immigrant, carved a significant place in American distilling history by establishing what would become Gibson’s Finest Whiskey. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to producing high-quality whiskey set the foundation for a brand that, despite changing ownership and production locations, continues to be recognized today.
6
Jim Hough
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
4
Joseph S. Finch
8
Mark & Mary Ellen Myer
THIS FOUNDERS HISTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
9
Abraham Overholt
In 1810, Henry's son Abraham Overholt (1784–1870) took over management of the distillery and made it into a large business. By the 1820s, the distillery was putting out 15 gallons of rye whiskey per day. Abraham grew the company rapidly; by 1843, Baltimore newspapers were advertising Overholt's "Old Rye"; was the best in the country. At that time, only the very few top distilleries were advertised by name, not the brands.
7
Herman Mihalich
Herman C. Mihalich is the co-founder and distiller of Dad’s Hat Distillery. A proud graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Herman’s path from engineer to distiller is a unique and inspiring story. The name “Dad’s Hat Distillery” is a heartfelt tribute to Herman’s father, who was a rye whiskey enthusiast and served it at the family’s tavern. His father was also known for his collection of Stetson fedoras, handcrafted in Philadelphia.
