We bought The Station Inn from beloved proprietor Tom Davis back in 2022 for one reason: We love trains, and we love the train community Tom built right here in Cresson, PA.
Years ago, when we would visit The Station Inn as guests, we’d settle into our rooms, then come sit on the porch. Inevitably, Tom would appear and say, “Alex and Leah, can I offer you a martini or Manhattan?”
We’d always reply the same way: “Manhattan, Tom. Always Manhattan.”
The warm summer air, a rocking chair in the shade, a steady stream of passing trains, and a little whiskey? You’ve got yourself a heck of an afternoon planned!
Perhaps it’s no surprise that we’re amateur connoisseurs of Pennsylvania distilleries. We love checking out new distilleries and saloons, especially as they grow more and more popular in central PA. (Plus, we’re suckers for supporting fellow local businesses!)
We Love Pennsylvania Distilleries: Here’s Our Top 10
We’ve been fortunate enough to try dozens of distilleries between Pittsburgh and State College, and we’ve rounded up some of the most notable—with a preference for those within driving distance of The Station Inn (be sure to check out some of our PA road trip ideas if you really like traveling).
Check it out:
1. Moonshine Mine Distillery
The Moonshine Mine Distillery prides itself on two important factors:
- It was the first legal distillery in Cambria County.
- Founders Michael T. Cocho (the first) and Michael T. Cocho (the second) have turned their family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation into celebrated spirits that have become loved by visitors from all over the region.
The Moonshine Mine Distillery isn’t only known for its moonshine, vodka, whiskey, and rum. Its saloon serves a variety of Moonshine Mine’s own beers as well as alcoholic drinks manufactured around Pennsylvania.
Address: 2046 Cardiff Road, Nanty-Glo, PA 15943
Phone: 814-749-3038
Distance From The Station Inn: 14 Miles (20 Minutes)
2. Excise Distillery
Excise Distillery is all about local pride. With ingredients sourced in Pennsylvania (and as much as possible from the surrounding area), this distillery specializes in turning premium ingredients into premium drinks.
In addition to high-quality drinks, you’ll find an ever-rotating list of featured cocktails, which nearly guarantees you’ll find something new or unique with every visit!
Address: 1302 Glendale Lake Road, Patton, PA 16668
Phone: 814-792-5760
Distance From The Station Inn: 15 Miles (25 Minutes)
3. The 814 Distillery
This Altoona gem is proof that great things are brewing in the 814 area code. The 814 Distillery is a family-owned business with a passion for creating small-batch spirits that are as bold and smooth as the Allegheny hills themselves.
From their crowd-favorite Maple Whiskey to seasonal infusions like Cinnamon Whiskey and Gingerbread Moonshine, there’s always something unique to sip and savor.
What sets The 814 apart is its focus on quality and community. Whether you’re visiting the tasting room for a casual drink or attending one of their fun local events, you’ll feel like part of the family the moment you walk in.
Address: 2401 E Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, PA 16601
Phone: 814-946-3799
Distance From The Station Inn: 23 Miles (25 Minutes)
4. Disobedient Spirits
True to its name, Disobedient Spirits in Homer City marches to the beat of its own drum. This micro-craft distillery takes pride in crafting unique, small-batch spirits that defy convention. Their lineup includes inventive offerings like Peppered Rye Vodka and Spiced Rum, each designed to challenge and delight the palate.
The spacious cocktail bar provides a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy these distinctive spirits in artfully prepared cocktails. For those interested in hosting events, Disobedient Spirits offers rental spaces that blend rustic charm with modern amenities.
Address: 30 S Main Street, Homer City, PA 15748
Phone: 724-915-8124
Distance From The Station Inn: 38 Miles (45 Minutes)
5. Rusty Musket Distilling
With a name like Rusty Musket, it’s no surprise Rusty Musket Distilling is located high in the Allegheny Mountains and specializes in unique, small-batch spirits—especially moonshine.
The Rusty Musket is a family- and veteran-owned company that founded many of its tricks of the trade on recipes passed down from generation to generation.
The key factor in their spirits is history. They want to evoke a true sense of nostalgia.
Address: 267 4 Seasons Road, Boswell, PA 15531
Phone: 610-944-4155
Distance From The Station Inn: 41 Miles (45 Minutes)*
*Note: There is a second location in Latrobe: 905 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA 15650.
6. Ponfeigh Distillery
If you love history, you’ll love reading about Ponfeigh Distillery. Taking its name from the reaction of a Welsh immigrant when he first laid his eyes on the lush surrounding farmland and the Ponfeigh Smokeless Coal Company, this small distillery is steeped in tradition.
Today, the tasting room is an opportunity to sip on local spirits and craft beers while enjoying the company of friendly strangers and soon-to-be friends.
Address: 893 Stoystown Rd, Somerset, PA 15501
Phone: 814-299-9699
Distance From The Station Inn: 49 Miles (50 Minutes)
7. Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining
If you’re headed to State College for a day at Beaver Stadium or to visit your favorite student, be sure to stop by Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining!
Situated in central PA—a key region during Prohibition—Barrel 21 is an ode to the area’s persistence in manufacturing high-quality spirits no matter what the federal government said.
Today, you can stop by Barrel 21 for a hand-crafted spirit, a juicy burger, or a lovely grilled steak. It’s a multi-sensory experience with an emphasis on quality!
Address: 2255 North Atherton Street, State College, PA 16803
Phone: 814-308-9522
Distance From The Station Inn: 54 Miles (50 Minutes)
8. Cold Spring Hollow Distillery
Cold Spring Hollow Distillery is all about experience. With an emphasis on small batch craftsmanship, the Distillery invites visitors to sit down, relax, and enjoy a fine spirit one sip at a time.
Inspired by an 8th-grade project that involved the construction of a still and an essay on moonshine, Cold Spring Hollow Distillery traces its roots back to 2015, and it was the realization of a 30-year dream in the making.
Today, you’ll find a variety of high-quality moonshines, whiskeys, bourbons, rums, gins, and vodkas, all meticulously crafted in South Central PA.
Address: 8 Findlay Drive, Mercersburg, PA 17236
Phone: 717-498-0770
Distance From The Station Inn: 84 Miles (1.5 Hours)
9. Liberty Pole Spirits
Look, we’ll admit that Liberty Pole Spirits is closer to Pittsburgh than it is to Cresson, but it’s worth the drive. It might show up near the bottom of this list, but it’s one of our absolute favorites.
This is the place to go if you like rye—especially Monongahela Rye. If you’ve never enjoyed Monongahela Rye before, you’re in for a treat. It’s a distinct style of American rye historically unique to Pennsylvania, and it features 80% rye and 20% malted barley, which results in robust, spicy whiskey.
Be sure to check it out for a wonderful sipping adventure!
Address: 800 Adios Dr, Washington, PA 15301
Phone: 724-503-4014
Distance From The Station Inn: 110 Miles (2 Hours)
10. Eight Oaks Farm Distillery
Eight Oaks Farm Distillery is the farthest distillery on this list, so it’s an ideal option if you’re already planning a road trip across Pennsylvania.
Eight Oaks emphasizes so many of the things we hold dear: Inclusivity. Quality. Local ingredients. More importantly, though, they brew a damn fine selection of drinks!
Address: 7189 PA-309, New Tripoli, PA 18066
Phone: 484-387-5287
Distance From The Station Inn: 200 Miles (3 Hours)
Stay At The Station Inn
If you haven’t figured it out yet, our seat in the Appalachian region means our region has ties to the colorful bootlegging past of the Whiskey Rebellion and Prohibition.
But we’re also in the heart of rail country—and we’re working to blend those two factors together with our railroad-themed B&B and the Yard Office Lounge, which is our private event space featuring a cozy bar.
Check out our rooms for a delightful stay with us. Watch a few trains, then spend the day sipping your new favorite cocktails and adult beverages!
