Pennsylvania SB 1248: An Act designating rye whiskey as the official State spirit of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1546
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No. 1248
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY BARTOLOTTA, L. WILLIAMS, ROBINSON AND VOGEL,
MARCH 30, 2026
REFERRED TO STATE GOVERNMENT, MARCH 30, 2026
AN ACT
Designating rye whiskey as the official State spirit of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Findings and declarations.
The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:
(1) Rye whiskey has deep roots in our Commonwealth's
history.
(2) Long before Kentucky Bourbon rose to prominence,
Pennsylvania distillers were defining the American whiskey
tradition with bold, spicy rye.
(3) This legacy continues today, as craft distillers
across this Commonwealth are once again producing exceptional
rye whiskeys using local grain and traditional methods.
(4) Distilling rye whiskey supports local agriculture,
sustains small businesses and strengthens this Commonwealth's
reputation for craftsmanship and authenticity.
Section 2. Official State spirit.
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Rye whiskey is designated as the official State spirit of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Section 3. Effective date.
This act shall take effect immediately.
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