Blackbird Distillery: Making shine and making friends

Jefferson County |  I-80 Frontier Landscape of the PA Wilds

Not too many businesses can say they create their product completely from start to finish, but the folks at Blackbird Distillery can! Located in Brookville along the I-80 Frontier landscape and the Cook Forest and the Ancients landscape within the Pennsylvania Wilds, Blackbird Distillery is a one-of-a-kind place that takes pride in showing visitors the magic of how their product is made.

They start their corn whiskey by mashing the corn by hand, creating mash. The mash is then fermented and piped into the stills. They cork each bottle by hand and also seal it with wax. Since each batch of moonshine is a different proof, each bottle has the proof hand-written on the bottle at completion. It is done the old-fashioned way, and the Distillery vibe matches perfectly. 

Co-owned by Jennifer Black and her husband David Black Jr., Blackbird Distillery loves creating authentic moonshine for their customers who come from near and far. They have more than 28 varieties and are Pennsylvania’s first legal moonshine distillery. Besides making moonshine, Blackbird Distillery also makes five different varieties of their own aged whiskeys as well as six various flavors of cream liqueurs.

Blackbird Distillery happily offers free tours, so guests can see them create the moonshine completely from start to finish. The tours are everyday, by appointment, by calling 814-849-0915. 

Another exciting development recently expanded Blackbird Distillery and allows visitors to make themselves at home. Opened in 2025, the Bird’s Nest Pub & Grub expansion at Blackbird Distillery now offers various snacks, something for everyone, as well as cocktails featuring their famous moonshine. If you’re looking for a venue for a small gathering, look no further than the Bird’s Nest Pub & Grub. The space can be rented free of charge. 

For 12 years, Blackbird Distillery has been doing what they do best, making shine and making friends. Guests rave about the experiences they have had there. They love coming back to enjoy the shine, along with the unforgettable experience that Blackbird Distillery provides. 

Want to visit Blackbird Distillery? A visit can easily fit into your schedule as they are open every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas. The samples are free, and the food and drinks are something you don’t want to miss. They are always freshening their menu, and the drink menu is unique. There is something for every palette, and you’ll never get bored even after many trips back.

Blackbird Distillery is an Experience Maker within the PA Wilds Cooperative. Learn more about Blackbird Distillery by visiting her PA Wilds Cooperative profile or by searching the directory at members.pawildscenter.org.

Photos and imagery courtesy of Blackbird Distillery.