Inside the History of Monongahela Rye Whiskey with Historian Sam Komlenic

The Revival of Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey | Ponfeigh & Wigle Distillery

Before Prohibition, Pennsylvania rye whiskey helped shape American whiskey culture through coal towns, frontier distillers, the Whiskey Rebellion, and the rise of Monongahela Rye. Today, a new generation is fighting to preserve that history. In this episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, I sit down with Max and Brendan of Ponfeigh Distillery to explore the revival of Pennsylvania rye whiskey and the deep roots behind their distillery. Then, Elise and Alex Trask of Wigle Whiskey Distillery join the conversation to uncover the history of Pittsburgh whiskey, the Whiskey Rebellion, and why rye whiskey nearly disappeared from America entirely. This episode is packed with bourbon history, Pennsylvania whiskey history, Monongahela Rye storytelling, distilling heritage, and the people preserving these lost American whiskey traditions today. Watch now on YouTube and follow for more whiskey history, distillery stories, rare whiskey conversations, and behind the scenes bourbon content. Instagram & Facebook: @parlorroomtastings TikTok: @WhitneyRye #PennsylvaniaRye #MonongahelaRye #RyeWhiskey #WhiskeyHistory #BourbonPodcast #AmericanWhiskey #WhiskeyRebellion #CraftDistillery #PittsburghWhiskey #TheMashBillPodcast #WhitneyRye

Inside the History of Monongahela Rye Whiskey with Historian Sam Komlenic

What happened to Pennsylvania rye whiskey and why was it once one of the most important whiskey styles in America? In this interview, I sit down with rye historian Sam Komlenic to explore the forgotten history of Pennsylvania rye, Monongahela rye whiskey, the rise of legendary brands like Old Overholt, and the role rye whiskey played in early American culture. Sam walks us through the origins of Pennsylvania rye whiskey, how it differs from bourbon, what made Monongahela rye unique, and why the style nearly disappeared after Prohibition. We also discuss sweet mash fermentation, three chamber stills, heated rickhouses, and the history of whiskey production across Pennsylvania. If you love bourbon history, rye whiskey, distillery stories, Pennsylvania whiskey, American whiskey history, or learning how whiskey shaped early America, this conversation is packed with insight. Topics include: * Pennsylvania rye whiskey history * Monongahela rye whiskey * Old Overholt history * Sweet mash vs sour mash * Three chamber stills * Whiskey Rebellion * Pre-Prohibition whiskey * Pennsylvania distilleries * How rye whiskey is made * Difference between rye whiskey and bourbon * West Overton Village * The revival of rye whiskey today Sam Komlenic is widely considered one of the leading historians of Pennsylvania rye whiskey and has been featured in major whiskey publications for his work preserving the history of Monongahela rye and brands like Old Overholt. #PennsylvaniaRye #RyeWhiskey #WhiskeyHistory #MonongahelaRye #OldOverholt #BourbonHistory #AmericanWhiskey #WhiskeyPodcast #PennsylvaniaWhiskey #WhiskeyEducation

Monongahela Rye | Washington, PA & The Whiskey Rebellion

The story behind American whiskey doesn’t start in Kentucky. It starts in places like Washington, Pennsylvania. In this episode of The Mash Bill Podcast, Whitney Rye travels to Washington, PA to explore the deeper roots of American whiskey, sitting down with industry voices to uncover the craftsmanship, history, and innovation that shaped what we now know as bourbon and rye. From early distillation practices to the lasting impact of copper still design, this conversation highlights how Pennsylvania played a critical role in the foundation of American whiskey. Long before modern bourbon took hold in Kentucky, this region was at the center of production, rebellion, and innovation. If you’ve ever wondered where whiskey truly began, how distillation techniques evolved, or why places like Washington County matter in today’s bourbon conversation, this episode brings that story to life. This is more than a bourbon podcast. It’s a behind the scenes look at whiskey history, distilling techniques, and the origins of American whiskey in one of its most important regions. In this episode, you’ll learn: * The role of Pennsylvania in early American whiskey production * How copper stills shaped the distillation process * The history of rye whiskey and its connection to bourbon * The impact of the Whiskey Rebellion in Washington, PA * How tradition and innovation continue to influence modern distilling Whether you’re a bourbon beginner, whiskey enthusiast, or industry professional, this episode offers a deeper understanding of where it all began. Subscribe for more episodes of The Mash Bill Podcast, where bourbon history meets modern storytelling through the people, places, and pours that define it. Watch more episodes, follow along, and experience whiskey beyond the glass.

Oxmoor Bourbon A Tie to Bourbon Law

Step inside Oxmoor Farm, one of Kentucky’s most historic estates, founded in 1787 as a 2,000 acre land grant and home to the Bullitt family for over 230 years. In this full podcast episode, we dive into the remarkable stories that shaped this estate, from early Kentucky politics and the Civil War to the very laws that defined Bourbon as we know it today. Discover how Thomas Walker Bullitt helped shape the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act, the first consumer protection law in U.S. history, and how Wm Marshall Bullitt worked with President Taft in 1909 to define Bourbon’s identity. Learn about Nora Iasigi Bullitt, a Boston born artist, suffragette, and student of Rodin who became the first woman in Louisville to fly in a plane. And meet Kay Stammers Menzies, Wimbledon champion and WWII ambulance driver, who transformed the estate into a place for charity, concerts, and community gatherings. Oxmoor Farm’s history is The Home of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a place where Bourbon’s hidden legacy has been rediscovered and revived through tours, tastings, and storytelling. Watch to the full episode now and immerse yourself in the vivid history, legacy, and Bourbon heritage of Oxmoor Farm in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. Follow along for more Bourbon stories and behind the scenes moments: Instagram & Facebook: @parlorroomtastings & @BourbonDuchess TikTok: @whitneyrye Do not forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more episodes of The Mash Bill Podcast and future Bourbon experiences! #bourbon #Law #History #Travel #Louisville #Prohibition #Oxmoor

Behind the Scene Interviews at the 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Step into the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, with host and Bardstown native Whitney Rye as she takes you behind the scenes of the 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Festival. This special mash-up episode brings you the voices of festival attendees, Master Distillers, and Brand Founders, capturing the energy and excitement straight from the grounds. From the adrenaline of the iconic Barrel Relay to the prestige of the Master Distillers Auction at the Oscar Getz Museum, you’ll experience the events that make this festival a cornerstone of bourbon culture. Hear stories from leaders at legendary brands like Michter’s, Angel’s Envy, Heaven Hill, Barton 1792, and many more as they share their craft and passion for America’s native spirit. Whether you missed this year’s sold-out celebration or just want to relive the highlights, this episode lets you enjoy the festival without the ticket price. But be warned, tickets for 2025 sold out in minutes, so start planning now for next year’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival.