Wigle Whiskey has teamed up with the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to create Phil’s Shadow Rye, a limited edition Whiskey made to celebrate Groundhog Day. The Rye is named after Punxsutawney Phil, the iconic groundhog that for the past 135 years has been forecasting the early arrival of spring or the continuance of winter.
Wigle Whiskey Phil’s Shadow Maple Barrel Finished Rye is made from a combination of the Pennsylvania distillery’s Pennsylvania Straight Rye Whiskey and the tradition of Pennsylvania maple syrup production. The Rye was aged for at least two years in new charred oak barrels, before finishing in barrels used by Paul Family Farms to age their maple syrup. Pennsylvania’s Threadbare Cider will also be producing a rum raisin cider for the occasion.
“Three of Pennsylvania’s finest- Punxsutawney Phil, Wigle Whiskey, and Threadbare Cider. Is there a better way to celebrate the 135th year of Groundhog Day virtually>” said Katie Donald, the director of the Groundhog Club, in a press release. “The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club is excited and honored to again partner with a legendary piece of Pennsylvania’s history. We look forward to perpetuating the legend of Punxsutawney Phil to whiskey and cider enthusiasts from all over the world!”
The Whiskey is described as a “bold, spicy spirit complemented by a pronounced velvety, rich sweetness.” And as the distillery says, it “is sure to help get you through the winter, even if Punxsutawney Phil™ does see his shadow.”
If you’d like to make a cocktail with it, the distillery recommends Phil’s Sweet & Sour Cocktail:
Phil’s Sweet & Sour Cocktail
- 2 oz Phil’s Shadow
- 1 oz egg white
- .75 oz maple simple syrup
- .75 oz lemon juice
- Top with mole bitters
Combine all ingredients into a shaker, and shake for 10 to 15 seconds (no ice). Add ice and shake for another 10 to 15 seconds. Finally, strain your cocktail into a coupe or rocks glass, and
Phil’s Shadow Maple Barrel Finished Rye Whiskey is priced at $38 and is available for shipping in PA and DC or pick up at either the Wigle Whiskey Distillery or Wigle’s Bottle Shop.
