Carrying on a Rich Tradition in Western Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a long, storied history of distilling, tracing back to early farmers who turned their surplus grain into whiskey. Today, that heritage is kept alive in the woods of Sewickley Hills. Tucked away just minutes from Pittsburgh, McLaughlin Distillery is a Pennsylvania distillery built on honoring the hard-working traditions of the region. Here, you will find authentic, small-batch spirits and a welcoming, old-school moonshiner charm.

From Dairy Farm to Distillery

The story behind our distillery is rooted in resilience. Founder and owner Kim McLaughlin is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who spent two decades running a dairy farm before transitioning to the regional oil and gas industry. When the industry slowed down and Kim was laid off, he used the opportunity to follow his lifelong passion for distilling. Opening our doors in 2016, his background in farming and hands-on problem-solving naturally translated into the demanding world of craft distilling.

Handcrafted Quality Without the Corporate Feel

When you visit our Pennsylvania distillery, you won’t find a massive corporate crew or fancy automated equipment. For us, there are no shortcuts to crafting exceptional spirits.

• 100% Natural Ingredients: Every batch is made from scratch by hand using natural ingredients, completely skipping synthetic syrups.
• Small-Batch Bourbons: Fan favorites include our award-winning Baby Barrel Bourbon and 3799 Bourbon.
• Creative Flavors: We offer a massive variety, from Mario’s Creamy Limoncello to flavored moonshines like M.G.R.T.A., Black Cherry, Mango, and Jalapeño.

The Distillery Tour Experience

Reading about our process is one thing, but experiencing it in person puts everything into perspective. During a visit, you can see how the mash is made, how the stills operate, and even how the barrels are built.

• Intimate Groups: To ensure a highly educational experience, we cap our tour groups at a maximum of 17 people.
• Extensive Tastings: The highlight of the tour is the tasting session, where guests can sample up to 1.5 ounces total, choosing from over 40 different products.
• Special Pricing: We are currently offering a special 50% off discount, making tours just $10 per person (regularly $20).

Ready to experience a true craft spirit destination? Book a tour or tasting session at our Pennsylvania distillery today. Tours are offered 7 days a week, giving you a behind-the-scenes look straight from the grain to the glass.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some commonly asked questions to consider:

What is the story behind McLaughlin Distillery?

Our distillery was opened in 2016 by Kim McLaughlin, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who ran a dairy farm for 20 years and worked in the oil and gas industry. After a layoff, he pursued his lifelong passion for distilling, establishing a brand built on resilience and tradition.

What makes your Pennsylvania distillery unique?

We offer a rustic, old-school moonshiner charm in Sewickley Hills. Instead of using automated equipment, our small team crafts everything by hand from scratch using 100% natural ingredients.

How much does a distillery tour cost?

Tours at McLaughlin Distillery are available by reservation 7 days a week. We are currently running a special 50% off promotion, meaning tours are just $10 per person instead of the usual $20.

What kind of spirits do you produce?

With over 40 products available to sample, our lineup includes small-batch bourbons, clear and naturally flavored moonshines, and creamy options like Mario’s Creamy Limoncello.