{"id":233344,"date":"2026-07-02T00:43:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T00:43:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/233344\/"},"modified":"2026-07-02T00:43:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T00:43:21","slug":"bartolotta-bill-to-designate-rye-whiskey-as-pennsylvanias-official-state-spirit-advances","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/233344\/","title":{"rendered":"Bartolotta Bill to Designate Rye Whiskey as Pennsylvania’s Official State Spirit Advances"},"content":{"rendered":"


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HARRISBURG \u2013 Legislation sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46)<\/a> to designate rye whiskey as the official spirit of the commonwealth was approved this week by the State Government Committee.<\/p>\n

Senate Bill 1248<\/a> recognizes Pennsylvania\u2019s historic role in shaping America\u2019s whiskey tradition while celebrating the commonwealth\u2019s thriving craft distilling industry and agricultural heritage.<\/p>\n

\u201cLong before Kentucky became synonymous with bourbon, Pennsylvania rye whiskey set the standard for American distilling,\u201d Bartolotta said. \u201cThis bill honors that remarkable legacy while recognizing the farmers, distillers and small businesses that continue to carry it forward today.\u201d<\/p>\n

From the late 18th century through the 1840s, Pennsylvania led the nation in whiskey production. Federal records and the 1810 Census of Manufactures confirm that Pennsylvania produced more whiskey than any other state. Rye was the primary grain, making it the style most closely linked to American whiskey in the nation\u2019s early years.<\/p>\n

The committee\u2019s approval comes one week before the City of Washington\u2019s annual Whiskey Rebellion Festival in the 46th Senatorial District. The 1794 Whiskey Rebellion, the nation\u2019s first major tax protest after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, took place in this region. The festival honors this history with reenactments, educational exhibits, live entertainment, local food vendors, and Pennsylvania-crafted spirits.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am grateful for my friends at Liberty Pole Spirits in Washington County along with a coalition of Pennsylvania rye whiskey distillers who brought this initiative to my attention,\u201d Bartolotta said.<\/p>\n

Senate Bill 1248 now advances to the full Senate for consideration.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

CONTACT: Brian Tirpak<\/a><\/p>\n

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