This Bethel Park Distillery Makes Reese’s Cup Moonshine

You’ve probably heard about Apple Pie flavored moonshine, but what about Birthday Cake, Butterscotch, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or Reese’s Cup?

All of those flavors are just the tip of the iceberg for Country Hammer Moonshine, a boutique moonshine distillery that operates in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Country Hammer boasts a repertoire of over 50 moonshine flavors.

When Tim Baureis moved to the Laurel Highlands from Mt. Lebanon over a decade ago, he quickly learned from his neighbors that making moonshine was a way of life.

With a background as a chef, Baureis became interested in mixing the flavors, and cultivating a superior product. Last year he decided it was time to take his moonshine off the mountain and into the city of Pittsburgh.

“Moonshine is such an untapped thing,” says Baureis. “There are only people doing it on the side. It is a tradition of the mountains that we are bringing into the city.”

Although flavors like Milky Way and Orange Dreamsickle are sweet in nature, Baureis notes that the process can be a labor of love. Moonshine a difficult product to produce consistently in large quantities.

“Selling it is different than making it as a hobby,” says Baureis. “ I figured I would try to make a good product instead of people getting ripped off by other stuff.”

And that is exactly what Country Hammer Moonshine is – a top of the line, flavored moonshine that retains its unique flavors and high alcohol content. Typically, commercial moonshines have to sacrifice one over the other.

“I am actually creating,” says Baureis. “I am not trying to make something where there is line out the door. I am just trying to offer a superior product.”

However, once people get a taste of this moonshine, there’s a chance they’ll be lining up out the door. Despite the high alcohol content (resting around 80 proof), all of Country Hammer’s flavors taste how they say they will taste. For example, a flavor like “Reese’s Cup” truly tastes like a peanut butter cup.

“You can’t taste the alcohol, but you can feel the burn,” says Baureis.

The base of all Country Hammer Moonshine is made with real corn whiskey. And, while a lot of people wonder what to mix moonshine with, the product is best enjoyed straight.

“You don’t need to mix it or do shots just because the alcohol content is high,” says Baureis. “You can sip it. Some people like to splash in a little soda, or mix half-and-half with flavors like ‘Chocolate Covered Strawberry.’”

Country Hammer Moonshine has locations in Bethel Park, and a new location in Irwin, PA. The Irwin, PA location has a small cafe with appetizers and rotating entrees. Guests are welcome to come in, sample the moonshine, and shop the different bottle sizes.

Country Hammer Moonshine – 5846 Library Rd, Bethel Park, PA 15102