Pennsylvania has a long, rich history of distilling. From early farmers turning surplus grain into whiskey to old-school moonshiners operating deep in the woods, the tradition of crafting spirits by hand is baked into the region’s DNA.

Today, that heritage is kept alive at McLaughlin Distillery. Tucked away in the woods of Sewickley Hills, just minutes outside of Pittsburgh, this veteran-owned craft distillery proves that you don’t need massive automated factories to make great spirits. If you are looking for an authentic moonshine distillery in Pennsylvania, here is why this local favorite is worth a visit.

Small-Batch Quality You Can Taste

Mass-produced spirits are built around scaling up and cutting costs. True craft moonshine is about doing things the hard way.

At McLaughlin Distillery, every batch is made by hand using 100% natural ingredients. Without fancy equipment or a large corporate crew, our team relies on patience, a strong sense of process, and traditional distilling methods. This hands-on approach guarantees a level of quality and flavor concentration you simply won’t find on a standard liquor store shelf.

A Flavor for Every Palate

When people hear “moonshine,” they often picture a harsh, burning liquor. While McLaughlin does pay homage to the traditionalists with robust, high-proof options like our 140-proof Squatch Shine, our flavor lineup is where the creativity truly shines.

Because we use real, natural ingredients rather than synthetic syrups, their flavored moonshines are incredibly smooth and versatile.

Some of the fan favorites include:

• G.R.T.A. Moonshine: A bold, refreshing take perfect for summer sipping.
• Black Cherry Moonshine: Rich and fruity, this is a staple for local craft spirit lovers.
• Mango Moonshine: A tropical twist that brings a bright kick to any glass.
• The Classics: From Juicy Juicy Watermelon and Pink Lemonade to the wildly popular Jalapeño Moonshine.

Elevating Your Cocktail Game

One of the best things about a quality craft shine is how well it mixes. Here at McLaughlin, we have developed a massive list of cocktail recipes to help you get the most out of your bottle.

Try swapping out your usual vodka for clear moonshine in a crisp, spicy Moonshine Mule (mixed with ginger beer and fresh lime). Or, mix M.G.R.T.A. Moonshine with Black Cherry Moonshine and orange juice for a stunning, layered “Moonshine” Sunrise. Knowing that the spirit in your cocktail was crafted by hand locally makes every sip a little better.

The Rustic Distillery Experience

Moonshine is deeply tied to a sense of place. A true moonshine distillery in Pennsylvania shouldn’t feel like a corporate office, and McLaughlin certainly doesn’t.

Located at 3799 Blackburn Road in Sewickley, PA, the distillery boasts a rustic, welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can book behind-the-scenes tours to see exactly how the mash is made, how the stills operate, and how the barrels are built. To keep the experience intimate and educational, tour groups are capped at 17 people.

The best part? The tasting session at the end. With over 40 different products to choose from, you can explore traditional bourbons, creamy limoncellos, and dozens of creative moonshine flavors.

Support Local, Drink Local

Owner Kim McLaughlin, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a background in dairy farming and the oil industry, built this distillery on the principles of hard work and community support. By supporting this local business, you are helping provide fair wages, backing regional agriculture, and keeping a historic craft alive.

Ready to taste it for yourself? Browse our full lineup of craft spirits and order directly from our moonshine distillery Pennsylvania today. Whether you pick it up locally or have it shipped straight to your door, you can enjoy authentic, small-batch flavor from the comfort of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some commonly asked questions to consider:

Is moonshine legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes. While illicit, untaxed home distilling remains illegal, licensed craft distilleries like McLaughlin Distillery legally produce, bottle, and sell moonshine throughout Pennsylvania in compliance with federal and state laws.

What makes McLaughlin Distillery’s moonshine different from mass-produced brands?

Unlike large commercial brands that use synthetic syrups and automated industrial processes, every batch at McLaughlin Distillery is crafted by hand using 100% natural ingredients. This creates a smoother, richer flavor profile that highlights true craftsmanship rather than artificial additives.

What moonshine flavors does McLaughlin Distillery offer?

We offer a wide variety ranging from traditional high-proof spirits like the 140-proof Squatch Shine to naturally flavored favorites like M.G.R.T.A., Black Cherry, Mango, Juicy Juicy Watermelon, Pink Lemonade, and Jalapeño.

Can I order moonshine online for shipping?

Yes! Pennsylvania residents can order directly through the online shop for home delivery or local distillery pickup. Shipping options are also available for select out-of-state customers through our website.