Vacations are usually filled with visits to breweries and wineries, because we do are Drinkie/Foodie Folks. Normally though we have no had a ton of opportunity to stop at Distilleries, They are not quite as popular yet. While we were in Dubois Pa this fall we happened upon a Moonshine Distillery, Blackbird Distillery. Not only was their amazing moonshine and many other foods/crafts and stuff it was also the most picturesque place you. The perfect stop on a great vacation.
Blackbird Distillery
Western Pennylvania’s first distillery! Located in Brookville, just off Maplevale Road outside of Cook Forest, they feature 19 distinct flavours of moonshine handcrafted on site from grains to the bottle, because real shine…takes time. You can sample the shine or nibble on their smoked meats & cheeses and don’t forget to stock up on their handmade canned goods to snack on when you get back home! As a bonus gift baskets & gift certificates also available.
We wondered in on a cold wet day and immediately felt welcome ( and charmed). Mrs B knows her stuff, not only a gal with a taste for shine but an eye for detail and a market sense like no other. They have turned this distillery into the place to be.
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Shine Tasting
From the “shine” perspective you are allowed three sample. With 19 delectable flavours to choose limiting yourself to three is not a task for the lighthearted( OK I kid but the decision was tough). T opted for Orange Cream sickle, Pumpkin Spice and Root Beer. Kent went for a more traditional tasting American Shine, Apple Jack and Hot Cinnamon.
Crossing the border did not allow us to buy everything but we did bring home a jug of Apple Jack. We keep it chilled and use it as a sipping side.
Of special note are their three drink mixes. just in case you are not a shine straight up person they have mixes available ( and for sale too). I added the Cream sickle mix to my first sample. Liquid ice cream in a glass with a bit of kick. They also have an amazing Bloody Mary mix as well as Apple Pie is a Jar.
Homemade Cheese, Jams, Salsa’s Etc
Salsa,Hot Pepper Rings,Hot Pepper Mix,Hot Pepper Spicy Brown Mustard,Hot Pepper Mustard, pickles of all sorts, Hot Pepper Kraut,Smoked Jalapeño and tons of peppers, jellies, sauces and more!!! It was incredible the selection available. All homemade, all fresh and all made on site. Plus they have Blackbird Smoked Meat and Cheese!
Blackbird Merch
More than just Shine, more than amazing food, jams, jellies etc they is also a vast collection of Blackbird Merch. I am honestly telling you I spent hours in this store, tasting, sampling and just shopping. Everywhere you looked you discovered a new treasure. And I have not even touched on the beauty of the grounds yet. This is a must stop if you are anywhere in the vicinity. Heck, take a long drive just to visit, totally worth it.
Showroom details
They have taken a lot of care in ensuring the tasting room is welcoming. Homemade touches, welcoming displays and of course wares showcased to make you want to purchase. Who knew burlap, wood and a few blackbirds could be so attractive.
Red Trucks, Trees and Lights
Driving up to the distillery I was in Red Truck heaven. The truck placed strategically in the courtyard, with a fully lit Christmas Tree. Colour me happy. There is something about red trucks and trees that take me to a happy place. I am just a little sad I will not see this with a blanket of white this winter.
Rosie says
What a cool place to see and get a jug of Apple Jack. No, I’ve not been to a distillery, it looks like barrels of fun!
Calvin F. says
very nice, had a laugh at the shit house sign