Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse & Garden
April 29, April 30, May 1
Various times
Roll out the barrel and have a barrel of fun this weekend with Pittsburgh’s award-winning craft distillery Wigle Whiskey.
Hosting a slew of events marking the opening of its Barrelhouse & Whiskey Garden—and ushering in a season of outdoor fun in the Burgh—Wigle sets the scene for months filled with refreshing locally produced spirits and happenings.
The jam-packed, whiskey-fueled festivities kick off on Friday, April 29 at 5 pm. with the third annual barrel roll spanning the distance between Wigle’s Strip District distillery and Northside barrelhouse. Local organizations—including Assemble, GTECH Strategies, HackPGH, Penn Brewery, Pittsburgh Glass Center, TechShop, and Carnegie Mellon—will rise to the challenge by building contraptions sturdy enough to cart an empty 10- or 15-gallon whiskey barrel along the city route. The ambitious procession will stop at several Strip District and Spring Garden businesses for snacks and beer, and there will even be a popcorn stop along the bridge. Whiskey lovers are encouraged to walk the route and participate in the samplings along the way.
The barrel roll will conclude at Wigle’s open-air Spring Garden facility to signal the season opener and special smoked bourbon release. All participating contraptions will be on display at the party, where a 2016 barrel roll winner will be crowned.
At the event, Wigle will host an exclusive cask-tapping of its new smoked bourbon barrel, which is distilled from a mash bill of malted barley, organic yellow corn and cherry wood smoked malt. Wigle has produced just 500 bottles of its latest bourbon, which is doubled‐distilled and aged in brand new, charred, 15‐gallon barrels for at least 15 months before bottling at 92 proof.
Running from 6 to 9:30 p.m., the barrel bash will also feature specialty cocktails, live music from Northside band Brewer’s Row, and food from Franktuary and Brownstone Oven. The party is free and family friendly.
Head back to the Barrelhouse on Saturday, April 30 for the Deutschtown Music Festival fundraiser. Running from 6 to 9:30 p.m., the 21+ event will feature live music by Chet Vincent & The Big Bend, Devin Moses & The Saved, and Wreck Loose, specialty cocktails, and fare from La Palapa Mexican Gourmet Kitchen.
Whether you’re running in this Sunday’s marathon or cheering on friends and loved ones, don’t miss the chance to celebrate the race on Sunday, May 1 at the Barrelhouse. Running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon after-party will feature live music by Essential Machine, a refreshing bloody mary bar and food trucks.
Looking for more events? Read our 11 Pittsburgh events not to miss in May feature.