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Out & About: West Overton Whiskey Smash gets bigger every year | TribLIVE.com
Out & About

Out & About: West Overton Whiskey Smash gets bigger every year

Shirley McMarlin
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Amy Williams and Ryan Johnson, both of Ligonier, pose for a photo during the Whiskey Smash held at West Overton Village in Scottdale on Saturday evening, Nov. 16, 2019.
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Erik Wolfe offers a Stoll&Wolfe whiskey sample to Sylvia Vignali (center) of Hopwood and Linda Ruble of Ohiopyle during the Whiskey Smash at West Overton Village in Scottdale on Saturday evening, Nov. 16, 2019.
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Aleasha Monroe, chief of staff and distiller at West Overton Village, joins her husband, D.J. Coffman of Scottdale, for a photo during the Whiskey Smash held at West Overton Village in Scottdale on Saturday evening, Nov. 16, 2019.
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Aaron Hollis, director of education for West Overton Village, and Jessica Kadie-Barclay, executive director of West Overton Village, join Barbara Ferrier for a photo during the Whiskey Smash at West Overton Village in Scottdale on Saturday evening, Nov. 16, 2019.
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Beth and Rick Rega of Mt. Pleasant, board chair of West Overton Village, pose for a photo during the Whiskey Smash at West Overton Village in Scottdale on Saturday evening, Nov. 16, 2019.

No wonder the folks at West Overton Village call their annual whiskey (and other spirits) tasting event the Whiskey Smash.

It’s been a smashing hit that keeps getting bigger each year.

The fifth annual event was held Nov. 16 at the East Huntingdon historical complex that has its roots in whiskey making, going back to 1803 when farmer Abraham Overholt first started distilling rye whiskey on the property.

As West Overton’s signature event, the Whiskey Smash “celebrates local craft distilleries and the resurging popularity craft whiskey and distilled products (and) provides for ongoing preservation and interpretation efforts,” according to its website.

Guests could belly up to the bar for a taste of what these creatively named purveyors had to offer: Barrel 21 Distillery, Crooked Creek Distillery, Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey, Liberty Pole Spirits, Red Pump Spirits, Stoll & Wolfe Distillery, Tall Pines Distillery, Pennsylvania Libations and — for something a little lighter — Greendance Winery.

Light bites and desserts also were served, as Janie Poole and the Rockabillies served up some danceable tunes, from Patsy Cline to Motown. The “Fermented Adventure” podcast was live onsite.

Among organizers were West Overton staffers Jessica Kadie Barclay, Aaron Hollis and Aleasha Monroe. Board officers include Rick Rega, Vince Mascia, Barry Whoric and Pilar Herr.

Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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Categories: Lifestyles | Out & About
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