ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A destination for craft spirits and cocktails is bidding farewell in Lehigh County.
Gallows Hills Spirits Co., a Salem witch trials- themed distillery and tasting room, will close its doors on Dec. 28 at 2200 S. 12th St. in Allentown.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce Gallows Hill Spirits will be closing our doors on December 28th,” reads an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
“This has been a long-fought battle, and despite every effort, we have simply run out of runway. Over the past eight years, we’ve built more than a business — we’ve built communities, friendships, and memories that will stay with us forever. Everyone who has been part of this journey will be deeply missed.”
Owner Bob Piano opened the distillery and tasting room in 2018 with a goal of combining his passion for spirits with his family ancestry.
The business’ theme is a nod to Piano’s family history as his eight-times great-grandfather, Samuel Wardwell, was accused of and jailed for witchcraft in September 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts.
Wardwell was later executed by hanging on a hill overlooking Salem.
“Samuel Wardwell was a common carpenter with a penchant for predictions,” reads a message on Gallows Hill Spirits’ website.
“He often claimed the ability to read the future in tea leaves and made a practice of predicting the genders of the towns’ unborn children. After several of these predictions came to pass, he became known as the Soothsayer of Andover. These were dangerous times to behave in such a manner.”
Wardwell and 24 other individuals who died by execution or while awaiting trial in prison during the Salem witch trials are listed on a tribute wall in the tasting room.
There’s also a framed indictment of Wardwell and floor-to-ceiling replica of the façade of Salem’s “Witch House,” the 17th century home of Jonathan Corwin, a judge who presided over the witch trials.
Gallows Hill Spirits offers a variety of craft spirits, including Tituba’s Silver Rum, a Puerto Rican-style rum that is light and easy on the palate; and Moonstone Rune, a traditional moonshine with a big corn flavor.
Soothsayer Vodka, a nod to Wardwell, is made from cane sugar and molasses, triple filtered and retains a touch of toffee to both the aroma and flavor.
Gallows Hill Spirits will maintain its normal operating hours throughout December.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support, your encouragement, and the wonderful moments we’ve shared,” the Facebook announcement continues. “It has meant more to me than you know.”
The social media announcement was posted around 12:30 p.m. Friday, and by 4:30 p.m., it had garnered more than 450 reactions and over 120 comments, primarily from individuals extending warm wishes to Piano and the Gallows Hill team.
“I’m so sorry to hear this,” one person commented. “I will miss going here. Amazing staff and wonderful spirits. Great memories were made though.”
“I’m so sorry to hear this! I love this place in every aspect,” another person wrote. “The people, drinks, atmosphere. It is so sad that I won’t be able to go to music bingo or just hang out anymore. I hope you all the best and thank you for providing us an amazing 8 years.”