Dad's Hat

In 2006, chemical engineer Herman Mihalich read a New York Times article about the revival of American rye whiskey - his wife responded by giving him ten of the bottlings mentioned in the article for Christmas. Mihalich, who grew up above his family's bar in Monessen, Pennsylvania, decided to revive his home state's once-legendary but nearly forgotten rye tradition: in 2010 he founded the Dad's Hat distillery in Bristol, Pennsylvania - the first in the state since 1989. The brand's unusual name comes from Mihalich's fondness for handcrafted Stetson fedoras from Philadelphia, a personal trademark that became the brand's namesake. To this day, every production step at Dad's Hat - mashing, distilling, ageing, bottling - is carried out on site in Bristol.

Why is Dad's Hat so significant for Pennsylvania?

The distillery was the first to open in the state since 1989 - reviving the historic, once world-famous "Monongahela rye" tradition that flourished in Pennsylvania before Prohibition.

Where does the name "Dad's Hat" come from?

Founder Herman Mihalich favoured handcrafted Stetson fedoras from Philadelphia - a personal detail that became a memorable brand name.

Flavour profile

Taste: Spicy and peppery with rye bite, citrus and a fine grain sweetness - an authentic, unadulterated Pennsylvania style.

Recommended enjoyment: Neat, or as the base for a classic Sazerac.

Facts and figures

Founded 2010 in Bristol, Pennsylvania, by Herman Mihalich. Pennsylvania's first distillery since 1989. Entire production (mashing to bottling) done on site in Bristol.