Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour

Discover the Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour in Pittsburgh

The Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour offers an engaging hour at $22.20 per person in Pittsburgh, making it an accessible choice for anyone interested in craft spirits and local history. This tour is highly praised, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 41 reviews, and is recommended by 98% of participants. It departs from 2401 Smallman Street, bringing visitors to the most awarded craft whiskey distillery in the country, known for its James Beard nominations and multiple awards from the American Craft Spirits Association.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of spirits tasting and the story of the Whiskey Rebellion, a pivotal yet quirky part of American history. The tour is designed to fit into a busy schedule with a duration of approximately 1 hour but still delivers enough flavor—both in drinks and stories—to leave a lasting impression. It’s perfect for those who want a short, informative, yet fun-filled glimpse into Pittsburgh’s whiskey tradition, especially if they want to stay longer at the distillery and enjoy food from the onsite restaurant.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $22.20 for a full hour of whiskey tasting and storytelling
• Highly rated with a 5-star review score from 41 participants
• Includes award-winning spirits like Rye, Bourbon, Gin, and Rum
• Learn about Pittsburgh’s Whiskey Rebellion, one of the country’s most interesting histories
• Guided tour with knowledgeable staff who answer questions throughout
• Option to stay longer and order food from the distillery’s restaurant

Tour Start at Wigle Whiskey, Pittsburgh’s Award-Winning Distillery

The Wigle Whiskey Distillery at 2401 Smallman Street is the starting point for this engaging experience. Recognized as Pittsburgh’s best distillery for ten years and most awarded craft whiskey distillery nationwide, Wigle re-ignited the city’s whiskey making. The distillery’s reputation is bolstered by James Beard Semi-Finalist nominations and awards from the American Craft Spirits Association.

Visitors meet the distillery team on Saturdays, who lead the tour and guided tastings. The guides walk through the process of starting with organic, local grains and producing spirits including Rye, Bourbon, Gin, and Rum. The tour features stories about the Whiskey Rebellion, one of the quirkiest and most critical events in U.S. history. This short and lively tour is designed for those short on time but eager to enjoy quality spirits and learn about the local history.

The Spirit-Making Process at Wigle Distillery

During the tour, participants learn how Wigle Whiskey produces its spirits—from grain to glass. The distillery emphasizes organic, local grains as the foundation of all their spirits. Visitors can observe the distillation process and see equipment used in creating award-winning Rye, Bourbon, Gin, and Rum. The guides explain each step clearly, making the science behind distilling accessible and engaging.

This behind-the-scenes look is complemented by tastings of multiple spirits, including delicious whiskey options and other spirits like Rum and Gin. The tasting session showcases four Wigle products, which are highly praised for their quality and flavor. The guides also make the experience interactive, answering questions and sharing stories about the distilling process.

The Story of Pittsburgh’s Whiskey Rebellion

A key highlight of the tour is the narrative of the Whiskey Rebellion, a significant yet unusual chapter in early U.S. history. The guides deliver this story vividly, making it clear why this rebellion was both quaint and pivotal. Visitors gain insight into how distillers rebelled against the federal whiskey tax in the 1790s, an event that shaped federal authority and local industry.

The storytelling makes this part of the tour both educational and entertaining, with guides sharing fun facts and intriguing anecdotes. This historical context enriches the tasting experience, allowing guests to appreciate the local roots of whiskey making and its role in American history.

Tasting Experience and Food Options

The guided tastings are a major part of this experience, with plenty of spirits to try. Reviewers highlight the variety and quality of the samples, including whiskey, gin, and rum. Guests are invited to sample before purchasing, ensuring they find something they enjoy. There is also a 25% discount offered in the gift shop, making it worthwhile to pick up souvenirs or bottles.

If visitors wish to extend their visit, they can stay at the distillery’s restaurant, which offers food options to complement the spirits. While the tour itself lasts about 60 minutes, the opportunity to order food and enjoy more drinks helps create a relaxed, more comprehensive experience.

Accessibility and Meeting Details

The tour departs directly from Wigle Whiskey Distillery, located in a central area accessible via public transportation. It is suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed. The group size is limited to 20 people, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction. Travelers should plan for the short duration and easy accessibility for a smooth visit.

Group Size and Tour Duration

This hour-long tour strikes a good balance between depth and convenience. It is ideal for visitors who want a quick yet meaningful overview of whiskey production and local history. The tour maintains an engaging pace, with guides actively involved in storytelling and answering questions.

While the main experience lasts about 60 minutes, guests are encouraged to stay longer at the distillery to enjoy food and additional tastings. The small group setting enhances the experience, with most reviews praising the friendly, knowledgeable guides like Kristine and Gail.

Why This Tour Offers Excellent Value

At just over $22, this tour provides great value for its inclusions—spirits tasting, storytelling, and insider knowledge on Pittsburgh’s whiskey history. The high ratings and positive reviews attest to the quality of the experience, especially the friendly, expert guides and delicious spirits. Its short duration makes it accessible for those with limited time but still eager to learn and taste.

The option to extend the visit with food and additional drinks adds to the appeal, making it suitable for both history buffs and spirits enthusiasts looking for an enjoyable, educational outing.

The Sum Up: A Must-Do in Pittsburgh for Whiskey Enthusiasts

The Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour stands out for its combination of storytelling, spirits, and local history. It offers excellent value with tastings of award-winning spirits and a compelling narrative about the Whiskey Rebellion. The small-group setting and knowledgeable guides make it an engaging experience, especially for those interested in craft whiskey and American history.

While the tour duration is brief, the quality of the spirits and stories ensures it remains memorable. Visitors who enjoy interactive, educational tours with a chance to sample diverse spirits should consider this as a top choice when exploring Pittsburgh’s craft distilling scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, but the tasting of spirits is intended for those of legal drinking age.

How long does the tour last?
The guided tour lasts about one hour, with the option to stay longer for food and additional drinks.

Can I purchase spirits after the tour?
Absolutely. The distillery offers a gift shop with spirits available for purchase, often at a 25% discount.

Is prior booking necessary?
Yes, booking in advance guarantees a spot, especially since the tour is limited to 20 participants.

Are the spirits tested before bottling?
While the review data emphasizes tasting, it highlights the quality and flavor of their spirits, which are highly awarded.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The data does not specify, but as it starts at the distillery with a short duration, it is likely accessible.

Does the tour include food?
The tour itself does not include food, but guests can order from the distillery’s restaurant afterward.

Are service animals permitted?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
The combination of spirits tasting and the story of Pittsburgh’s Whiskey Rebellion are the standout features.

How many spirits are sampled during the tour?
Guests typically sample four of Wigle’s products, including whiskey, gin, and rum.