JPC + Wigle Whiskey

At JPC Event Group, organic, sustainable and delectable food is only the beginning. Our green commitment extends far beyond fine cuisine to include local and organic spirits as well.  In a commitment to utilizing the best ingredients from our local farm and food partners, we also work with the region’s best distillers, such as Wigle Whiskey, to create fantastic food and beverage pairings.

Wigle Whiskey is a grain-to-bottle Distillery that honors the original traditions and techniques of making spirits.  They are one of the few craft distilleries in the United States to produce every product they sell from scratch, using local, organic grain.  Aside from producing the regions finest whiskey, the distillery also makes a unique venue space and can host up to 30 of your closest friends and family for a seated dinner!

Their spirits are carefully crafted and refined to be enjoyed unadulterated, but also work beautifully in cocktails.

Recipe included below
Kelsey Kradel photography
Rustic Acres Farm

This past season we have had the opportunity to work with Wigle’s special barrels and product at a few of our events hosted by couples in the city.  We love the uniqueness they bring to the events and were able to get the inside scoop from Meredith Grelli, Co-Owner and Jill Steiner, Events and Promotion. We were even able to get a delicious recipe for a Citrus Whiskey Sour. See below for more details!

Q: What should wedding couples/event clients know before they contact you for product/services?

A: Our most fruitful interactions occur when wedding couples and event clients are familiar with our general style and way of approaching cocktails. We’re not concerned with familiarity of craft cocktails or even whiskey, but rather with the intent to wholeheartedly enjoying the final creation. 

If reading about Wigle’s signature cocktails and personalized barrels results in excitement and enthusiasm to start tasting and learning, there’s a good chance we’re already off on the right foot. 

Q: What type/size events can you host at your Distillery or Whiskey Garden locations?

A: We’ve hosted a range of events at both Wigle locations: the Strip District Distillery and Spring Garden Barrelhouse and Whiskey Garden. 

At the distillery, we can facilitate group of up to 100 for a cocktail party. For events that require seating for all individuals, we can facilitate 30 people at the distillery. In the past, we’ve combined events, small or large, with tours, tastings, and presentations tailored to the group. We’ve hosted corporate events, birthday parties, fundraisers, private cocktail classes, and event poetry readings. The sky’s the limit! 

At the barrelhouse, we host casual fundraisers, reunions, tours, and music. Because there is no rain alternative for large rentals, we do not offer formal rental options. We do however welcome groups of up to 40 people for casual get-togethers in the Whiskey Garden during our open season, from May through September. 

Q: How do couples go about contacting you to book your space? 

A: Couples can contact jill@wiglewhiskey.com to book our space or schedule a time to chat about custom cocktails. 

Q: What exciting plans do you have for Wigle in the future? 

A: The future undoubtedly holds great things! The Wigle crew is always growing and developing, and with it’s growth comes new events, products, and ideas. We hope to continue our relationship with our local partners and community members, as well as build new relationships with our emerging audiences outside of Pittsburgh. We continue to prioritize innovation and enrich the Wigle experience. 

Q: What inspired you to start Wigle Whiskey? Why whiskey?

A: We knew a little bit about Pittsburgh’s incredible whiskey history but the more we read, the more we became committed to the idea of bringing back the incredible legacy of Monongahela Rye Whiskey.

Q: How did you go about determining the location? Why Pittsburgh?

A: Pittsburgh was the epicenter of American whiskey until Prohibition and our Rye was the gold standard of whiskey making. We thought it was time the world of whiskey saw a little more differentiation and Pittsburgh back in the mix!

Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of owning Wigle?

A: Helping to form the unsinkably curious community that is our staff, consumers, and suppliers. We call our core folks, taste pioneers and they are an incredibly dynamic group to surround yourself with!

This recipe is courtesy of Wigle Whiskey-

The Citrus Whiskey Sour

 

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon water
• 2 dashes angostura bitters
• 1 slice orange rind
• Ice
• 2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon

 

Instructions

In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle the sugar, water, bitters, and orange rind together until the sugar has dissolved. Fill the glass with ice, add the whiskey or bourbon, and garnish with the cherry. Serve with a cocktail straw.