When I think of whiskey I think of an old fashioned and old men. That was before attending Wigle Whiskey’s tap room opening at the Omni William Penn Hotel. The opening had live music, whiskey samplings, a build your own old fashioned bar, hors d’oeuvres, and this pistachio chocolate bark that I could’ve devoured by the handful. It was as regal as the interior of the Omni and the event brought out a nice crowd to support the Pittsburgh distillery. Even Mayor Peduto showed up in the tap room to check out the old fashioned bar. 

After I took a shot at the build your own old fashioned bar and failed miserably to make it taste as sweet as my personality (think Starbucks but for alcohol), I opted to try one of the speciality cocktails. The Palm Punch changed my mind about whiskey.

“There’s whiskey in here?” I suddenly felt like my friends who are always shocked about my ability to make drinks taste like candy and several drinks later regret downing them like they were.

“There is,” he explained with a smile and I was sold. It was a mixture of simple syrup, Wigle Monongahela Rye Whiskey and hibiscus tea. It’ll change your mind on whiskey too. I went to a party Saturday and took a shot at creating a whiskey cocktail and my friends loved it. I mixed Arizona Peach Tea, Wigle Monongahela Rye Whiskey and simple syrup and my friends just stared at me skeptical that I had gave them whiskey.

I wouldn’t recommend taking shots of whiskey as it’s meant to be enjoyed not devoured. I would recommend checking out the cool speakeasy downstairs and the tap room on the main floor.

Wigle has something for everyone. They’ve been around for 5 years,  yet it feels like forever. I was introduced to them through Yelp Pittsburgh and would most definitely recommend their tap room if you want to experience something cool downtown. They also have a distillery on Smallman Street that I’ve had yet to venture to. I do see myself purchasing this again from my local Wine and Spirits store to see what else goes with whiskey.

What’s your favorite cocktail?