McLaughlin Distillery Thrives with Small-Batch, In-House Spirit Production

McLaughlin Distillery, located in Pennsylvania, has carved a unique niche in the spirits industry through its commitment to small-batch, in-house production. By relying solely on onsite operations, this distillery sets itself apart from many competitors that outsource production.

Distinctive Production Practices

Central to McLaughlin’s mission is a focus on quality over quantity. The distillery employs a technique of removing grain solids before distillation, which is uncommon in the industry. This method results in a cleaner base spirit by reducing particulate carryover. While this approach may limit production capacity, it allows McLaughlin to exert greater control over flavor and texture.

A Simple Yet Effective Mashbill

• All bourbons are crafted from 100% corn.
• This choice emphasizes natural sweetness and brightness.
• Blackburn Rye features a blend of 5-year cask-strength bourbon and unaged rye.

The simplicity of the mashbill offers a stable foundation that permits experimentation in other production areas.

Innovative Aging Techniques

McLaughlin utilizes small barrels, predominantly 10-gallon casks, with occasional use of 5-gallon and 2.5-gallon barrels. The smaller sizes facilitate quicker interaction between the spirit and the wood, enhancing flavor extraction and color development. Every batch undergoes individual assessments rather than adhering to fixed aging timelines, ensuring optimal readiness at the time of release.

Hands-On Production

All products at McLaughlin Distillery are crafted in-house, utilizing the same equipment. Their diverse portfolio includes bourbons, American whiskeys, flavored moonshines, experimental blends, and cream liqueurs. This variety showcases the distillery’s hands-on approach and dedication to quality.

Award-Winning Quality

McLaughlin’s commitment to craftsmanship has garnered significant recognition. Their Cask Strength Baby Barrel Bourbon and Mario’s Creamy Limoncello both earned Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Such accolades reflect the distillery’s focus on process integrity rather than sheer scale.

Founder’s Vision

Founded by Kim McLaughlin, a former dairy farmer, the distillery emphasizes self-reliance and adaptability. Operating without external capital, McLaughlin channels its efforts into maintaining manageable production sizes and ensuring a hands-on approach. This ethos remains at the heart of the distillery’s operations, shaping its development since inception.

Year-Round Consistency

Operating over 300 days each year, McLaughlin maintains a steady production rhythm that allows for consistent quality across its product offerings. This philosophy emphasizes continual work over seasonal marketing strategies, reinforcing their commitment to craftsmanship.

Explore the Collection

Customers can explore McLaughlin Distillery’s complete portfolio through its online store, with shipping options available to most states. New online shoppers can apply the promo code DailyMD for a discount on their first order.