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Like father, like son.

Herman’s dad wore a hat every day. It’s one of his fondest memories of his father. In the old days, everyone wore hats. Hats meant something. Something more. They were a symbol of optimism and quality. They displayed care for craftsmanship and tradition. Herman Mihalich decided to throw his proverbial hat into the ring, start his own company and honor the principles above in his own special way. He founded Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey in the nearby town of Bristol where they handcraft their signature style of American Rye Whiskey.

Rye is all they do, but it is available in two different proofs of aged Whiskey, two wood-finished spirits, an un-aged White Rye, and in special editions. Their Spirits don’t carry an age statement, and they are generally quite young. But one of the secrets to making good Whiskey from a young Whiskey is to use smaller casks. The standard for big production houses is 53-gallon barrels. Dad’s Hat uses charred 15-gallon casks that are absolutely tiny in comparison. This means more wood contact by volume, which “ages” the spirit faster. In this case, age is just a number.

What matters is the taste. Dad's Hat Rye Whiskey Port Finish is produced of the same mash bill as their classic rye, comprised of 80% rye, 15 % malted barley and 5 % malted rye. After a year’s worth aging in charred American oak, the rye is finished in casks that previously matured port wine. The finishing episode adds a certain fruity temper and a red gold color to the spicy rye. Since everything is done by hand and all the ingredients are sourced locally, only 1200 bottles were ever produced. The end result is there for everyone to experience and savor. You see, contrary to hats, principles of excellence never go out of style. Come to think of it; even hats are back.

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