The Story
Wigle Whiskey was founded in 2012 by Meredith Meyer Grelli and Alex Grelli in the Strip District as Pittsburgh's first craft distillery since Prohibition. Named after Philip Wigle, a farmer who helped spark the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania in 1791, the distillery connects Pittsburgh's spirit to its revolutionary roots.
Wigle has won over 100 awards at national and international spirits competitions, making it one of the most decorated craft distilleries in America. The distillery produces whiskey, gin, rum, and specialty spirits using locally sourced grains, and operates a tasting room, cocktail bar, and event space in the Strip District.
The Grelli family has expanded Wigle's footprint to include the Threadbare Cider House and a production facility, creating a small empire of craft beverage businesses rooted in Pittsburgh's history and agricultural heritage.
What Makes It Pittsburgh
Wigle Whiskey is literally named after Pittsburgh history. The Whiskey Rebellion started in western Pennsylvania, and Philip Wigle was one of the first men arrested for resisting the federal whiskey tax. Naming the distillery after him is a declaration of Pittsburgh's independent, rebellious spirit.
The Strip District location places Wigle in Pittsburgh's historic market district, surrounded by food purveyors and specialty shops. The distillery has become a destination for visitors and a point of pride for locals who appreciate that Pittsburgh's craft beverage scene now includes world-class spirits.