(WHTM)– A Pennsylvania lawmaker is proposing establishing an official spirit in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania has a rich history when it comes to alcoholic beverages, with iconic spirits and flavors tracing their roots in the state. While there are a plethora of spirits that are made in the Keystone State, one Pennsylvania lawmaker argues a single drink stands above the rest.
Pennsylvania State Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) plans to introduce legislation that would make Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey the official spirit of the Commonwealth.
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The memo says that rye whiskey has deep roots in Pennsylvania history, and that history continues today as craft distillers statewide produce rye whiskey using local grain and traditional methods.
Pennsylvania was also home to the Whiskey Rebellion, which took place in Washington, Allegheny, and Fayette Counties in 1794, according to the memo. Today, the City of Washington still holds an annual festival to recognize the event.
The bill has not yet been submitted for introduction.
What makes Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey?
Sen. Bartolotta said that the whiskey must contain at least 60% rye grain, with at least 75% of all grains used being grown by Pennsylvania farmers to be considered Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey.
Additionally, the whiskey must be sweet-mashed to reflect historic Pennsylvania production techniques, and entered into the barrel at no more than 110 proof, per the memo. The product must be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled within the state.
Sen. Bartolotta said the requirements honor the heritage of Pennsylvania distilling and support local agriculture and businesses.
What was the Whiskey Rebellion?
Farmers and distillers in Western Pennsylvania rose in protest of a whiskey tax enacted by the federal government in 1794, according to History.com. Protests escalated as aggression between locals and tax collectors increased, leading President Washington to send troops to the area.
History.com said that the rebels were rounded up, and peace was made. Only two men were found guilty of treason as a result. Washington pardoned both. The rebellion is considered one of the first major tests of the U.S. Government’s authority.
According to Sen. Bartolotta, Whiskey Point, located at the intersection of Main Street and Park Avenue in Monongahela, Washington County, was the meeting place of 226 whiskey rebels. The meeting marked the end of the rebellion.
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