Herman Mihalich
Dad’s Hat Distillery
Mountain Laurel Spirits, LLC – Founded 2010
Herman C. Mihalich is the co-founder and distiller of Dad’s Hat Distillery, operated by Mountain Laurel Spirits, LLC. A proud graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Herman’s path from engineer to distiller is a unique and inspiring story.
The journey began with a New York Times article about the revival of rye whiskey. Intrigued, Herman shared the story with his wife, who surprised him that Christmas with ten bottles of rye whiskey featured in the article. This thoughtful gift sparked a question that would change his life: Wouldn’t it be cool to help bring back Pennsylvania rye whiskey?
The History of Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey has deep roots in Pennsylvania, dating back to 1753. However, Prohibition, followed by shifting preferences toward vodka, gin, and tequila from the 1960s to the early 1980s, nearly wiped out the tradition. Herman saw an opportunity to help revive this rich heritage.
From Chemical Engineer to Distiller
While most distillers learn their craft through years of apprenticeship, Herman’s chemical engineering background gave him a head start. Teaming up with his college friend and businesspartner, John S. Cooper, the duo enrolled in Michigan State’s artisan distilling program to master the art and science of distillation.The pair meticulously researched old Pennsylvania rye whiskey recipes and experimented with yeast strains, ensuring their process met the highest standards. Their vision was clear: to produce exceptional rye whiskey rooted in tradition, using only the finest local ingredients. To achieve this, they partnered with Bucks County farmers to source high-quality American rye grain.
Building Dad’s Hat Distillery
With a vision, education, recipes, and family support firmly in place, Herman and John set out to find the perfect location for their distillery. They chose a building in Bristol, Pennsylvania, where they brought their dream to life.
The name “Dad’s Hat Distillery” is a heartfelt tribute to Herman’s father, who was a rye whiskey enthusiast and served it at the family’s tavern. His father was also known for his collection of Stetson fedoras, handcrafted in Philadelphia. Each day, he’d carefully select a hat that matched his mood or the occasion. Herman has kept those hats and still wears them today as a nod to his father’s enduring legacy.
A Whiskey Like No Other
Dad’s Hat rye whiskey is crafted in small batches using only natural, local ingredients. The result is a whiskey with a uniquely American personality—crisp, smooth, and delicious, with a finish that’s perfectly balanced and never overpowering. It’s a whiskey made for every occasion, embodying the rich history and spirit of Pennsylvania.
Contributed by: Poppy Bruce Potash, Warwick, New York
with support from Bill & Vicki Gallagher, Mid-Atlantic Rye Whiskey Section Editors, Marriottsville, Maryland
