Events

Lew Bryson, whiskey expert and author of the new book American Whiskey Master Class, joins us at historic West Overton Village to talk all about rye. Learn about its cultural impact in Pennsylvania and around the world. Along the way, enjoy 3 curated samples of rye whiskey.

Rye whiskey is truly an American phenomenon. It came here as an immigrant, became a patriot and then a huge success, fell from the heights and was persecuted, and has now made a triumphant comeback. Most whiskey aficionados are familiar with this story. But the modern story of rye whiskey has new chapters. There are old ways of making it and old strains of the grain itself that have been rediscovered and put to use; there are old and new ways of enjoying it as well.

Rye has put on the fancy clothes of barrel finishes and been put through some changes in how it gets to your glass. And the immigrant has returned to the Old Country, where it has been welcomed and rediscovered its roots. Rye whiskey is a story that is always being told; Lew Bryson has a few new tales to tell you, right here where it began its rise. 

Ahead of the program, hear from Pennsylvania whiskey history collector Sam Komlenic, who donated his collection to the Sam Komlenic Gallery in the Whiskey Heritage Center of our Museum. Meet him in the Gallery to hear firsthand stories about his collection. Additionally, he will share a brief history on rye whiskey in Pennsylvania before Lew's program.

About Lew Bryson

Lew Bryson has been writing about beer and spirits since 1995. He was managing editor of Whisky Advocate magazine from 1996 through 2015, and a Senior Drinks Writer for the Daily Beast from 2017 through 2022. He has a solo podcast, “Seen Through A Glass,” about Central PA drinks and food.

Bryson is the author of American Whiskey Master Class, a detailed examination of American whiskeys; Tasting Whiskey, a broad survey of the whiskeys of the world; and Whiskey Master Class, a deep dive on whiskey flavor creation. He has judged for both the American Craft Spirits Association and the Great American Beer Festival.

He lives in central Pennsylvania.

Plan Your Visit

This program will be held in the Overholt Room, the lower level of the Museum at West Overton Village.

The program will begin at 6 p.m., but doors will open at 5:30 p.m. if you would like to look through the Museum beforehand. The Sam Komlenic Gallery, featuring the largest public collection of Pennsylvania whiskey history in the world, will be open. Sam will be on site to talk and answer questions.