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seed spark project

History In The Distilling

Distilling Rosen Rye

An anxious crowd gathered around Laura Fields, of the Seed Spark Project, as she introduced the star of the day. Since 2015, Rosen rye seeds have been cultivated and re-planted on agricultural test plots in State College, PA to produce enough usable grain to distill into whiskey. Rosen rye had been in the fermenter since September 3rd and was ready to be distilled at Stoll and Wolfe Distillery in Lititz, Pennsylvania.

Dick Stoll was the last man to distill Rosen rye into whiskey at Michter’s Distillery in Schaefferstown, Pa. Liquid began to flow into the still and Dick looked on with a very watchful eye. It was an emotional moment for Erik Wolfe as he explained the process of what was about to take place in the distillation. Finally, all of the hard work and preparation would become a reality.

It was all hands on deck as things heated up. Jim Wolfe and Avianna Wolfe took their places to make sure that the pressure and temperatures remained stable as the column still began to produce the first evidence of juice. The whole team at Stoll and Wolfe was amazing. For the next 3 hours there was joy, laughter and camaraderie as guests shared stories, asked questions and got their first taste of the “White Dog”. Oh, how sweet it is!

The journey continues as some of the Rosen rye which has now been given over to the barrel gods. The remaining un-aged portion will be available to taste and sample.

It was an incredible experience to be able to watch the whole process come together. Fermented Adventure has had the pleasure of visiting many distilleries. However, it is rare to witness the production of craft distilled spirits. The day culminated with enjoying one last taste. Fermented Adventure the Podcast sat down with Dick Stoll and learned more about his story. Look for the interview on your favorite Podcast Platform.

It all started with a seed. It was a perfect day in a perfect place. It may sound cliche, but, on September 7, 2019 a lot of peoples hard work, visions and dreams came true. That’s what is at the heart of the craft distillery industry.

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