Philadelphia Distilling, the city’s first craft distillery since Prohibition, is celebrating nearly 20 years of producing Bluecoat Gin from its Fishtown facility. Over the past nine years the distillery has expanded its reach, now selling the flagship Bluecoat American Dry Gin in 48 states and 24 countries, with annual sales of roughly 150,000 bottles.
Local roots, national reach
“People have this idea ingrained in their head about what gin is,” said Aaron Selya, director of operations. “For the last 20 years, we’ve been trying to change that story.” The company’s commitment to keeping every step of production in Philadelphia is a point of pride for the team. “There’s a lot of pride now being able to travel around and see the product that we make on the shelf in many different markets, and be able to point to that and say that bottle was made, distilled in Philadelphia, is bottled in Philadelphia,” Selya added.
Three expressions of Bluecoat
Philadelphia Distilling offers three distinct Bluecoat expressions: the classic American Dry Gin, a floral Bluecoat Elderflower Gin, and the Barrel‑Finished Gin. The barrel‑finished version is aged in new American oak barrels—the same type used for bourbon—allowing the gin to rest for six months to two and a half years before the barrels are emptied, refilled with fresh gin, and left to mature for an additional one and a half to three and a half years.
Craftsmanship and production
The classic dry gin is produced in a relatively swift process, typically taking between 24 and 48 hours and yielding enough spirit for about 1,500 bottles per batch. This efficient turnaround, combined with meticulous quality control, has helped Bluecoat Gin earn a reputation for consistency and flavor that appeals to both casual drinkers and gin enthusiasts.
Celebrating a revolutionary spirit
The brand’s name, Bluecoat, draws inspiration from Philadelphia’s revolutionary heritage, reflecting the company’s deep ties to the city’s history and its ongoing commitment to local manufacturing. By distilling and bottling entirely within Philadelphia, the distillery supports local jobs and contributes to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for craft beverages.
Looking ahead
As Bluecoat Gin continues to expand its distribution network, Philadelphia Distilling remains focused on maintaining its local identity. The company plans to explore additional barrel‑finishing techniques and new flavor profiles while keeping production firmly rooted in the city that sparked its founding nearly two decades ago.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
