It only seems like yesterday when local spirits company Manatawny Still Works (MSW) was born in Pottstown, PA and then opened a tasting room on East Passyunk Avenue. I tried MSW for the first time six years ago at Noshhh, local craft food and drink vendor showcase. I wish they’d bring that event back; the event organizers executed a lovely event in a beautiful venue (Indigo Bleu – no longer open, sadly.)

This year, Manatawny Still Works will celebrate its 8th anniversary and are poised for growth. They will open two new tasting rooms in booming neighborhoods by the Fall and bring their collection of original recipe small-batch spirits, and compelling cocktails, to new parts of the Philadelphia area. The first will open in Ardmore, and the second will open in Fishtown.

MSW Ardmore will be located at 49 W. Lancaster Avenue.

MSW Fishown will be located on N. Lee Street.

Despite the pandemic’s impact on the craft spirits business, MSW was able to maintain a connection with its customers and remain prepared for growth. Kudos!

Each new tasting room will serve as both a place to purchase MSW’s unique line of spirits, including new releases, and sit down for a cocktail made with those house spirits. In 2022, MSW has already released an American Gin finished in Port Barrels and a 3-year Select Four Grain American Whiskey finished in Cherry Brandy and Vermouth Barrels.

In April, to celebrate the distillery’s 8th Anniversary, MSW bottled a whiskey made with 100% Pennsylvania grains, featuring 78% malted barley, 2% roasted barley, 9% wheat, 9% oats, and 2% rye from Double Eagle Malt in Huntingdon Valley—all grown and malted locally.  

“As we approach our 8th Year, we’re dialing in more on what it means to be a “craft” spirit, and bottling our best yet,” says MSW’s distiller Max Pfeffer. “We’re grateful for our loyal following who stuck by us and saw us through some tough times over the past few years. Now, we’re thrilled to be able to grow that community,” adds partner Derek Menaldino. 

MSW’s line of spirits can be found in its home state of Pennsylvania, where consumers can pick up a bottle at the Pottstown distillery (320 Circle of Progress Drive, Suite 104), at the tasting room in South Philadelphia (1603 East Passyunk Avenue), or at more than 100 Fine Wine & Good Spirits shops across the Commonwealth. MSW also ships within PA from their online shop.