Pennsylvania’s favorite groundhog is coming to Pittsburgh.
Punsxutawney Phil will be at three upcoming events in the city, just before his big moment on Groundhog’s Day.
On Friday, January 19, Wigle Whiskey is hosting a whiskey release party at their Strip District distillery to celebrate the release of Phil’s Shadow, their new collaboration with the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. It’s a rye whiskey made using regionally-sourced rye grain that was milled, fermented, and distilled at Wigle’s distillery. The whiskey was aged in a charred oak barrels for 18 months, then transferred to maple syrup barrels for finishing.
The whiskey release party will include samples, cocktails, discounted bottles, and pay-as-you-go tacos from Baby Loves Tacos. Oh, and Punxsutawney Phil himself (!!!) will be there, too, for photo opportunities, along with the rest of the The Groundhog Club.
Tickets to the event are $12, and include one maple whiskey cocktail, a sample of Phil’s Shadow, and family-friendly groundhog-themed activities, including photos with Phil.
On Saturday, January 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Threadbare Cider & Mead is hosting a Punxsutawney Phil brunch. The event is free to attend (brunch is pay-as-you-go), and Phil will again be on hand for photo opportunities.
Later that day from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Phil will be at Penn Brewery, where the Groundhog Club will be on hand to celebrate Punxsutawney Pilsner, a seasonal release from the brewery.
Wigle Whiskey (2401 Smallman Street)
Threadbare Cider & Mead (1291 Spring Garden Avenue)
Penn Brewery (800 Vinial Street)
To all Phil fans. Have a good time and enjoy your Groundhog Ale. I Chuck the Groundhog will sit this one out.