Liberty Pole, Dad’s Hat Collab on Limited Rye Release

Liberty Pole Dad's Hat rye collaboration label

Two Pennsylvania rye whiskey producers, Liberty Pole Spirits in the west and Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye in the east, announced the release of a collaborative blend. This distillery-only bottling brings together two carefully selected barrels representing the pinnacle of each house’s craftsmanship and shared reverence for Pennsylvania whiskey tradition.

This limited-release rye is coming soon to both distilleries, offered exclusively on-site for $79.99 per bottle. Bottled at 119.6 proof, the blend showcases a 4-year, 7-month-old barrel from Liberty Pole and a 6-year, 4-month-old barrel from Dad’s Hat, united in perfect harmony.

Longtime friends and mutual admirers Jim Hough of Liberty Pole and Herman Mihalich of Dad’s Hat have been exchanging lighthearted introductions for years.

“He makes the best rye east of the Alleghenies,” Jim would say. Herman would return the favor: “Jim makes the best rye west of the Alleghenies.”

What began as a friendly nod evolved into something deeper.

In early 2025, the two distilleries decided to collaborate in earnest. They swapped three barrels each and independently began blending trials using one barrel from each distillery. Out of nine possible combinations, both teams landed – without knowing – on the exact same two-barrel blend. The result? A complex, expressive rye that blends the distinctive flavor profiles of both distilleries, paying homage to Pennsylvania’s iconic Monongahela Rye Style.

This release is a celebration of collaboration over competition, of respect over rivalry, and of the deep roots that connect Pennsylvania’s whiskey-making heritage from one end of the state to the other.

Quantities are extremely limited. Bottles will be available exclusively at Liberty Pole Spirits (Washington, PA) and Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye (Bristol, PA). Whiskey lovers are encouraged to stay tuned for the official release date—this blend of East and West won’t last long once it arrives. For more information about Liberty Pole Spirits, visit https://www.libertypolespirits.com/. For more information about Dad’s Hat, visit https://dadshatrye.com/.