A Peek Inside the Eichelberger Distillery

The exterior of the Eichelberger Distillery appears as if it has been there since the 18th century.  The stone façade matches the tavern built in 1794.  Attention to detail and a commitment to authentic architectural features of the period do not stop as you pass through doorway.  We relied on two references to create the convincing feel of an early Pennsylvania distillery.  The first was “The Practical Distiller “written in 1809 by Samuel McHarry from Lancaster, PA. 

His ideas on distillery construction were critical to reproducing an accurate period facility.10 foot ceilings and plaster walls rise above the brick floors. Ceilings were insulated with a clay-straw mix. McHarry described in detail how to build the masonry enclosures which house the stills and direct heat around them minimizing the risk of scorching the” grain-in” mashes. 130-gallon, wood-fired copper boilers on the gable ends and stills placed in the middle of the building help distribute heat during cold winter months.

The second source was an actual Central Pennsylvania building used as a distillery from the 1770 era. Today it exists as a shell of the original, but the floor plan guided our project. The central wall is dominated by two stills and a central worm tub or condenser in the still room or “vapor” side. The other side of the wall features a 12-foot walk in fireplace.  This “fire” side serves as the tasting room. The rear wall of the fireplace has two iron doors which are access points to feed wood into the fireboxes under the copper stills. It is as important today, as it was hundreds of years ago, that vapor and fire do not mix!

Some concessions had to be made. Apparently, 18th century distillers, workers and visitors did not need large, lighted, red EXIT signs to find a door in case of emergency. Modern building codes, TTB rules and inspectors are less confident that people will find their way to the exits. It was non-negotiable! 

The windows are wavy glass with bubbles, re-purposed from old buildings. Wooden wall panels were hand planed in the tongue and groove style. Candles provide most of the light when distilling is not ongoing. Overhead explosive proof lighting was required.

As part of NYCHAPS, The Eichelberger Distillery shares the mission of cultivating an appreciation of the heritage of Northern York County through preservation, education and living history.  When mashes are going, stills running and spirits flowing it looks, smells, sounds and feels like you you’ve been transported back to the 18th century. In the tasting room you can sample whiskey, Cherry Bounce and other spirits unique to this Pennsylvania Distillery. We look forward to your visit!

~The Impractical Distillers:  Sam and Murray