Valley News Dispatch

Iron City Distilling to host whiskey encore with online release


‘Rapid sellout’ of 1st Bessemer Rye Whiskey prompts early 2nd round
Haley Daugherty
By Haley Daugherty
2 Min Read Jan. 28, 2026 | 20 hours Ago
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Whiskey lovers who missed the first release of Iron City Distilling’s Bessemer Rye Whiskey are getting a second chance at the limited spirit sooner than expected.

Following what the East Deer distiller is calling a “rapid sellout” of the first round, a second sale of the single-barrel rye will be held online Friday, Iron City Distilling President Peter Katz said.

The initial Dec. 19 limited single-barrel release of the whiskey was the first drink produced completely at the distillery.

Master Distiller Matt Strickland previously told TribLive the drink was made from 100% Danko Rye and aged about 2½ years being bottled and released.

Katz said Friday’s Bessemer Rye release will feature two barrels simultaneously released. Barrel 278 is 2 years and 8 months old and is 109.4 proof. Barrel 288 is aged 2 years and 7 months and is 107.6 proof.

Like its inaugural release, both barrels were produced from 100% Danko and bottled at barrel strength.

“After seeing how fast our first release sold out, I felt we had to get another release out right away,” Katz said in a statement. “(Strickland) and his team did not disappoint as they found not just one, but two barrels that are ready to be enjoyed. Their hard work and dedication to historic methods is paying off with such beautiful whiskies. We are excited to share these releases with you.”

According to the flavor profile detailed by the distillery, Bessemer Rye gives off “aromas of pepper and citrus layered with rye bread, marmalade and oak, followed by a full-bodied palate with notes of vanilla, caramel and warm baking spice, finishing long and balanced.”

A total of 350 bottles will be available across both barrels.

Buyers, online only, will have the option to select pickup or delivery for their bottle. For more information, visit icdistilling.com.

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About the Writers

Haley Daugherty is a TribLive reporter covering local politics, feature stories and Allegheny County news. A native of Pittsburgh, she lived in Alabama for six years. She joined the Trib in 2022 after graduating from Chatham University. She can be reached at hdaugherty@triblive.com.

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