In the 1920s through the early 1930s, the manufacturing of alcoholic spirits — known as distilling — was illegal due to Prohibition in the United States.
During that time, Easton businesses were illegally manufacturing alcoholic products, before being halted by federal raids. Over a hundred years later, the first legal distillery is coming to Easton.
Original Degenerate Distilling Company, focused on handcrafted moonshines and molasses-based rums, is preparing to open at 437 Northampton St. in downtown Easton. The new business will be operated by founder and CEO Chris Plumaker.
Plumaker said moonshine was historically prominent during the Prohibition era. Though producing it is now legal, the beverage will serve as a nod to its traditional roots.
“We’re kind of into the rebellious idea of moonshine,” Plumaker said.
A logo design for Original Degenerate Distilling Company, which will be the first legal distillery in Easton.Courtesy of Chris Plumaker
Plumaker said the distillery will produce a variety of moonshines and rums made on-site. Plumaker plans to create root beer, blueberry, bubble gum and butterscotch flavored moonshines. He will also include spiced, coconut, and silver rum flavors.
In addition to its own spirits, the distillery plans to offer Pennsylvania-sourced beers and wines and handcrafted cocktails.
When visitors arrive, they’ll be able to sample products through tastings and learn about the distilling process. Plumaker will also present a history of Easton during the experience.
Guests will be able to take tours of the distillery and purchase bottled products to take home. Behind a chain-link fence, guests can view a large copper pot still, a key component of the distilling process.
“So the entire process will be on display,” Plumaker said.
The 150 gallon pot still is being manufactured by Ace Custom Copper in Elizabethton, Tennessee, which Plumaker said is “the heart” of moonshine country. It is constructed utilizing Revere Copper Company‘s 99.99% pure copper sheets to keep the authentic flavor of moonshine.
Paul Revere founded Revere Copper Company, and it is owned and operated by his descendants today.
A copper pot still, like the one pictured, will be on display at Original Degenerate Distilling Company, the first legal distillery in Easton. Guest will be able to view the stills and the distilling process.Courtesy of Chris Plumaker
Plumaker is creating his own brand of moonshine and rum called “Audrey’s.” The name is inspired by his daughter Audrey, who was born this past St. Patrick’s Day.
Operating hours are expected to be Thursdays from 5 to 10 p.m., Fridays from 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturdays from noon to midnight, and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Plumaker said private tastings and tours will also be available for small groups.
Plumaker, who worked at a vineyard 15 years ago, said he’s long had the idea to open a distillery.
“I saw micro-wineries were starting to become very popular. Micro-breweries were already popular,” he said. “I had a feeling that micro-distilleries would then become a thing.”
Opening his own distillery was a process, which included obtaining licensing to legally operate it. Plumaker also went before Easton’s Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board to receive a special exception.
Now that he has the necessary licensing and approvals, he is shooting for a December opening.
Plumaker said the distillery would not be possible without the support from his wife, Shelyka. His best friend Allen Davis, and his wife Kristine, have also greatly supported the endeavor.
Davis will eventually act as a partner in the business operations, Plumaker said. They graduated from Belvidere High School together in 2000, and they have been friends for 30 years.
“It’s just been a dream of mine for 15 years to be able to put this together, and I finally have been able to,” Plumaker said. “I always knew that Easton was going to be a great spot for it.”
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.