Comments on: A pilgrimage to Michter’s distillery http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/ Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:16:04 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: We’ll drink to that: Michter’s Distillery announcing $8 million Louisville operation at Eighth and Main » Insider Louisville http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-104481 We’ll drink to that: Michter’s Distillery announcing $8 million Louisville operation at Eighth and Main » Insider Louisville Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:56:24 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-104481 [...] bourbon blogs state that Michter’s was the oldest American brand of whiskey before it closed in [...] [...] bourbon blogs state that Michter’s was the oldest American brand of whiskey before it closed in [...]

]]> By: Ethan Smith http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-91140 Ethan Smith Fri, 06 May 2011 10:19:25 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-91140 Not that I know of. I think it was only the 82 and 86 Penn State ones. The earlier 77 Penn State one was made most likely by Regal China, but that's just a guess. Not that I know of. I think it was only the 82 and 86 Penn State ones. The earlier 77 Penn State one was made most likely by Regal China, but that’s just a guess.

]]> By: Chad http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-91043 Chad Fri, 06 May 2011 04:01:13 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-91043 Were all three PSU decanters made by the Hall China Co? Were all three PSU decanters made by the Hall China Co?

]]> By: Ethan Smith http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-84199 Ethan Smith Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:55:15 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-84199 The 82 Penn State decanters are really nice. They were also one of a very small number of decanters sold by Michter's that were sold empty through the Jug House. As to why it doesn't say "Made in China"- It was made right here in the USA by Hall China of East Liverpool, OH. If you want to add to your collection, try finding the 1977 Penn State decanter and the ULTRA rare 1986 Penn State decanter. The 82 Penn State decanters are really nice. They were also one of a very small number of decanters sold by Michter’s that were sold empty through the Jug House. As to why it doesn’t say “Made in China”- It was made right here in the USA by Hall China of East Liverpool, OH. If you want to add to your collection, try finding the 1977 Penn State decanter and the ULTRA rare 1986 Penn State decanter.

]]> By: Darrell Kutz http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-84190 Darrell Kutz Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:09:25 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-84190 My mother lives on the square in Schafferstown, she just gave me a Michter's 1982 Penn State National Collegiate Champions decanter, This decanter has never been filled and has the original unused cork with a footbal and looks like it was just made. Does not say made in china on the bottom. I love it. My mother lives on the square in Schafferstown, she just gave me a Michter’s 1982 Penn State National Collegiate Champions decanter, This decanter has never been filled and has the original unused cork with a footbal and looks like it was just made. Does not say made in china on the bottom. I love it.

]]> By: Ray http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-66397 Ray Sun, 06 Feb 2011 21:03:58 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-66397 will you have another tour this year? will you have another tour this year?

]]> By: Ethan Smith http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-28467 Ethan Smith Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:30:20 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-28467 Jim, The tour has been indefinitely canceled now due to snow damage to the buildings from our record-breaking back-to-back snowfalls in February. Several roofs have collapsed in and others are now structurally unsound. The insurance company wants no one on site other than the owner and anyone related to property maintenance. Jim,
The tour has been indefinitely canceled now due to snow damage to the buildings from our record-breaking back-to-back snowfalls in February. Several roofs have collapsed in and others are now structurally unsound. The insurance company wants no one on site other than the owner and anyone related to property maintenance.

]]> By: Jim Thomas http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-28452 Jim Thomas Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:47:07 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-28452 Please include me on information regarding the tour. I was cleaning my parent's basement and came acroos a sealed Michter's decanter in the shape of Pennsylvania. Please include me on information regarding the tour. I was cleaning my parent’s basement and came acroos a sealed Michter’s decanter in the shape of Pennsylvania.

]]> By: Ethan Smith http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-24729 Ethan Smith Sat, 01 May 2010 20:50:40 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-24729 The Sour Mash decanter is one of the most desirable Michter's decanters out there. Only 500 were made to commemorate the death of Sour Mash after she was run over one night out front the distillery. The decanter was designed by General Manager George Shattls and Master Distiller Dick Stoll. The decanters fetch $50-$100 depending on condition (full, sealed, tag present, tax strap intact, etc.). If the tax strap has been torn, there is a good chance that the cork has become unseated and the whiskey inside has oxidized. This was VERY common on Michter's decanters and I have about 20 of them that the whiskey inside had spoiled so I dumped and cleaned them. If oxidized whiskey is allowed to sit inside the decanter, it can begin to eat the china from the inside out. If you're interested in selling the decanter, let me know. I would be interested in it due to its rarity. And for everyone following this: I still have not heard that the owner is out of the hospital so planning a new tour date has not moved forward. EVERYONE will be notified when a new date is selected!!! Thanks, Ethan Smith. The Sour Mash decanter is one of the most desirable Michter’s decanters out there. Only 500 were made to commemorate the death of Sour Mash after she was run over one night out front the distillery. The decanter was designed by General Manager George Shattls and Master Distiller Dick Stoll. The decanters fetch $50-$100 depending on condition (full, sealed, tag present, tax strap intact, etc.). If the tax strap has been torn, there is a good chance that the cork has become unseated and the whiskey inside has oxidized. This was VERY common on Michter’s decanters and I have about 20 of them that the whiskey inside had spoiled so I dumped and cleaned them. If oxidized whiskey is allowed to sit inside the decanter, it can begin to eat the china from the inside out. If you’re interested in selling the decanter, let me know. I would be interested in it due to its rarity.

And for everyone following this: I still have not heard that the owner is out of the hospital so planning a new tour date has not moved forward. EVERYONE will be notified when a new date is selected!!!

Thanks,

Ethan Smith.

]]> By: Joe Mulligan http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-24705 Joe Mulligan Sat, 01 May 2010 01:51:54 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-24705 Hi, I just did a search and came across this site. I used to work for a dairy that delivered waste whey to the pig farm near the distillery. I remember a mean old St. Bernard named "Sour Mash" who guarded the distillery. I took a few tours of the distillery and purchased a ceramic bottle in the image of "Sour Mash" which I still possess. Though the seal is broken on the bottle, is it worth anything? An an ignorant question from a non drinker, does bourbon go bad? What happens as it ages? Just curious, Thanks Joe Hi, I just did a search and came across this site. I used to work for a dairy that delivered waste whey to the pig farm near the distillery. I remember a mean old St. Bernard named “Sour Mash” who guarded the distillery. I took a few tours of the distillery and purchased a ceramic bottle in the image of “Sour Mash” which I still possess. Though the seal is broken on the bottle, is it worth anything? An an ignorant question from a non drinker, does bourbon go bad? What happens as it ages? Just curious,

Thanks
Joe

]]> By: sam k http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-18066 sam k Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:22:53 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-18066 Tom, you are correct. They are not very far apart. In fact, the Black Horse Inn, just up the road from Stoudt's, was part of my initiation to great bourbon. I stopped there between Michter's and my destination in Philadelphia in 1989 or '90. They had Stoudt's on tap, plus Michter's and other fine pours available. I had a Michter's, then asked for a Booker's (first time I had seen it anywhere) and the fetching brunette behind the bar asked if I'd ever tasted Blanton's, which they also featured. She said she liked it better than the Booker's...smoother and with more finesse. I tasted three American classics that day, and am forever indebted to the classy lass with the greatest bourbon sensibility I've yet encountered! Tom, you are correct. They are not very far apart. In fact, the Black Horse Inn, just up the road from Stoudt’s, was part of my initiation to great bourbon. I stopped there between Michter’s and my destination in Philadelphia in 1989 or ’90. They had Stoudt’s on tap, plus Michter’s and other fine pours available. I had a Michter’s, then asked for a Booker’s (first time I had seen it anywhere) and the fetching brunette behind the bar asked if I’d ever tasted Blanton’s, which they also featured. She said she liked it better than the Booker’s…smoother and with more finesse.

I tasted three American classics that day, and am forever indebted to the classy lass with the greatest bourbon sensibility I’ve yet encountered!

]]> By: Tom S http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-18055 Tom S Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:11:00 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-18055 sorry to hear of the cancelation, but my good fortune and opportunity to line up for the rescheduling. I would love to tour the site, I was there in the early 90's, must have been right after it closed. I remember an article in the Philly Inquirer about a British bloke who was trying to renew the brand, soon after my friend and I took a trip(we are in Bucks County) to visit the place and a microbrewery in Adamstown, as well. Michters was closed up, but we did enjoy a couple of pints and lunch at the beer-hall, which was somewhat close, if I recall correctly. Keep me posted. sorry to hear of the cancelation, but my good fortune and opportunity to line up for the rescheduling. I would love to tour the site, I was there in the early 90′s, must have been right after it closed. I remember an article in the Philly Inquirer about a British bloke who was trying to renew the brand, soon after my friend and I took a trip(we are in Bucks County) to visit the place and a microbrewery in Adamstown, as well. Michters was closed up, but we did enjoy a couple of pints and lunch at the beer-hall, which was somewhat close, if I recall correctly. Keep me posted.

]]> By: Ethan Smith http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-17780 Ethan Smith Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:38:39 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-17780 ATTENTION EVERYONE ATTENDING!!!!! THE EVENT IS CANCELED! Due to an unsafe snow load on the buildings, 8 foot snow drifts, a broken plow, and snowed shut township roads, we can't safely proceed with the festivities on the 14th. If you have made hotel arrangements, don't forget to cancel them and also tell anyone else you have told about the event. I apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused, but it is not feasible, nor safe, to hold this event. We are going to try again this spring! Thank you, Ethan Smith. ATTENTION EVERYONE ATTENDING!!!!!

THE EVENT IS CANCELED!

Due to an unsafe snow load on the buildings, 8 foot snow drifts, a broken plow, and snowed shut township roads, we can’t safely proceed with the festivities on the 14th. If you have made hotel arrangements, don’t forget to cancel them and also tell anyone else you have told about the event. I apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused, but it is not feasible, nor safe, to hold this event. We are going to try again this spring!

Thank you,

Ethan Smith.

]]> By: sam k http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-17604 sam k Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:03:05 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-17604 John, you're right...Ethan is tackling this project with a fervor that is almost superhuman. He has coordinated the opening of the distillery for the event, has \made the connections to get dignitaries to attend, and he will have cleared roughly three feet of snow before this Sunday's festivities. I have heard from PA, OH, NY, and MD fans who will be attending. This is going to be an exciting day at the distillery, and my first there since shortly after it closed. I can't wait! John, you’re right…Ethan is tackling this project with a fervor that is almost superhuman. He has coordinated the opening of the distillery for the event, has \made the connections to get dignitaries to attend, and he will have cleared roughly three feet of snow before this Sunday’s festivities.

I have heard from PA, OH, NY, and MD fans who will be attending. This is going to be an exciting day at the distillery, and my first there since shortly after it closed. I can’t wait!

]]> By: Ethan Smith http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2010/02/05/a-pilgrimage-to-michters-distillery/#comment-17574 Ethan Smith Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:50:37 +0000 http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/?p=3522#comment-17574 John, I really appreciate you posting up a little ad here for the event. Michter's needs saved and the time is now! The goal of the 14th is twofold- One is to bring fans of Michter's together to celebrate it's mark it left on the whiskey world and show that the place isn't gone. Secondly, I am trying to raise awareness that if someone doesn't come in and save the place (even if it's just a physically exterior restoration) it won't exist much longer. It is still a National Historic Landmark and National Historic Place so if someone were to want to purchase and refurbish it, grants and tax credits are available to help defray costs. With the explosion of micro distillers and the brisk sales of high-end whiskies, Michter's would be a great starting place for a new distiller or one looking for some extra capacity! Thanks, Ethan. John,
I really appreciate you posting up a little ad here for the event. Michter’s needs saved and the time is now! The goal of the 14th is twofold- One is to bring fans of Michter’s together to celebrate it’s mark it left on the whiskey world and show that the place isn’t gone. Secondly, I am trying to raise awareness that if someone doesn’t come in and save the place (even if it’s just a physically exterior restoration) it won’t exist much longer. It is still a National Historic Landmark and National Historic Place so if someone were to want to purchase and refurbish it, grants and tax credits are available to help defray costs. With the explosion of micro distillers and the brisk sales of high-end whiskies, Michter’s would be a great starting place for a new distiller or one looking for some extra capacity!

Thanks,

Ethan.

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