Topic: A Sip of Knowledge with Herman Mihalich of Dad’s Hat Rye

Hosts: Liz Rhoades, Lew Bryson, & Martin Duffy

What You’ll Learn: Join a trio of drink industry veterans in weekly conversation on whiskey, spirits, distilling, marketing, and the current state of the drink industry. This week, Herman Mihalich, founder and distiller at Dad’s Hat Rye, joins the group.

About Herman Mihalich:

In a way, Herman Mihalich’s childhood in Monessen, Pennsylvania predicted his future as the founder of Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey. It was there, after all, living in an apartment above his family’s bar, where Mihalich experienced the sights, sounds and stories that would eventually inspire him to reintroduce the world to Pennsylvania’s once-rich rye whiskey producing heritage. Before coming full circle back to these roots, Mihalich made his mark as a Chemical Engineer.

Of course, the fond memories of his father’s bar remained a constant in Herman’s life and ultimately led him to realize his life’s ambition in 2010, when he launched the Dad’s Hat distillery in Bristol. Many years have passed since Herman’s youth in that Western Pennsylvania town but he’s now exactly where he wants to be – carrying on a tradition close to his heart.

About the Hosts: 

• Liz Rhoades, founder of Spirit Safe Consulting, former research scientist for DIAGEO, distilling consultant, spirits writer for The Whiskey Wash & presenter.

• Lew Bryson, former managing editor for Whisky Advocate Magazine for 20 years, whiskey author, beer/whiskey writer and presenter.

• Martin Duffy, former DIAGEO Master of Whisky for the Midwest, DIAGEO Reserve Brand Ambassador for The Republic of Ireland, North American Brand Representative for Glencairn Crystal.