Manatawny Still Works (MSW) is opening a new tasting room in the heart of Ardmore at 49 W. Lancaster Avenue and will begin pouring on Friday, October 7. Their new location will feature MSW’s compelling cocktail list, highlighting their original recipe small-batch spirits.

Their first suburban location will complement the exciting dining and nightlife scene, community events, and overall economic growth in Ardmore, PA. This is MSW’s first tasting room since 2017, and the exciting news proves that though the pandemic was hard on the craft spirits world, MSW found a way to connect with its customers and remains poised for growth.  

“As we celebrate our 8th Year, we’re dialing in tighter 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 of the pandemic. Now, we’re thrilled to be able to grow our community,” adds partner Derek Menaldino. 

With their customary copper-topped bar on one side and ample tables throughout, the tasting room comfortably seats over fifty guests. A semi-private, glass-walled breakout room in the back seats up to twelve for special events, classes, and tastings. Devotion to craftsmanship is what drives MSW, and they make it a point to honor the craftsman in others whenever possible through local collaborations. From local makers whose products marry with their spirits, to local artists whose works dress their walls. Ardmore’s tasting room will showcase the talents of one of MSW’s own: K.C. Grummun, an employee at the East Passyunk tasting room, will install a vibrant mural behind the glass wall of the breakout room. 

Ardmore’s tasting room will serve as both a place to purchase MSW’s unique line of spirits, including new releases, as well as a great cocktail bar to enjoy those house spirits. Additionally, the tasting room will serve a small selection of locally-produced beer and wine. At the Grand Opening, guests may also try a first taste of this year’s batches of Maple Whiskey and Apple Brandy, two spirits perfect for autumn.  

In 2022, MSW released an American Gin finished in Port Barrels, a 3-year Select Four Grain American Whiskey finished in Cherry Brandy and Vermouth Barrels, and the distillery’s 8th Anniversary 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.  

Later this year, MSW will join another bustling area when its Fishtown location on N. Lee Street opens its doors, slated for December. Currently, their line of spirits can be found in their 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. Also, MSW ships within PA from their online shop.