Best Bourbon Cocktails in Happy Valley: Local Distilleries and Bars to Visit
Bourbon and whiskey cocktails are surging in popularity nationwide, with Happy Valley leading the charge.
Reflecting national trends, whiskey topped dollar sales in Centre County and 61 other Pennsylvania counties in fiscal year 2018-19, per the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Locals spent over $5.6 million on whiskey at Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, surpassing vodka and rum.
Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or new to its rich flavors, these Happy Valley spots offer classic and innovative bourbon cocktails crafted by experts.
Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining
This State College favorite has been distilling whiskey and bourbon for five years using Pennsylvania grains from within a 60-mile radius. They produce two whiskeys: a straight bourbon and a straight rye.
A tasting room hit is the seasonal Black Currant Sour—B21 Whitetail Pennsylvania Straight Bourbon Whiskey, black currant liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a coupe glass. Bartender Eric Hermann notes its sweet, fruity profile eases newcomers into bourbon.
Customers also love the aged Manhattan, batched in a 15-gallon barrel for 30 days.
Hermann's bold pick: the Bear Paw—B21 Whitetail Bourbon, crème de cacao, Aztec chocolate & mole bitters, served in a bourbon oak-smoked glass.
- Address: 2255 N Atherton St, State College, PA 16803
- Phone: (814) 308-9522
- Website: barrel21distillery.com
Big Spring Spirits, Bellefonte, PA
This craft distillery offers four signature whiskeys—100% corn, 100% wheat, 100% rye, and a bourbon-style American whiskey blend—using a malt-less process from 1890s Japanese innovation. Recent releases include a five-year rye finished in Port barrels and an upcoming peach whiskey.
Head distiller Phil Jensen says the American whiskey is customer-favorite for its bourbon-like appeal; staff prefer the wheat.
Try Sc’orned: white wheat and rye whiskeys, black peppercorn, lime, orange and rose syrups, falernum, with a Himalayan pink salt rim.
The seasonal Blackberry Bourbon Smash is "wildly popular," per Jensen.
Jensen advises: "If you don’t like whiskey yet, you haven’t found the right one. Experiment with profiles." Start with classics.
- Address: 198 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823
- Phone: (814) 353-4478
- Website: bigspringspirits.com
Gigi’s Southern Table, State College, PA
Bar Manager Seth Rice reports the Old Fashioned is booming. Pair it with house-made bourbon cherries: sugar, orange juice, bourbon, and orange rind simmered with dark pitted cherries.
Extra cherries sweeten for bourbon skeptics. Try bacon- or peanut-infused bourbons for bold twists.
- Address: 2080 Cato Ave, State College, PA 16801
- Phone: (814) 861-3463
- Website: gigisdining.com
The Hublersburg Inn, Hublersburg, PA
This historic spot shines with artisan cocktails like Sprig & Stave: Bulleit, house rosemary syrup, orange bitters, and smoked rosemary.
The Bourbon Brulee—Jefferson’s Small Batch Bourbon, Lambrusco, ginger brandy, caramelized orange (torched tableside)—is a hit. Proprietor Andi Biddle calls it fun to craft.
- Address: 449 Hublersburg Rd, Howard, PA 16841
- Phone: (814) 383-2616
- Website: hublersburginn.com
Local Whiskey
With 200 varieties (Irish, Scotch, bourbon), this downtown State College bar offers Whiskey Wednesdays, Good Old Fashioned Thursdays, and expert bartenders.
- Address: 107 E Beaver Ave, State College, PA 16801
- Phone: (814) 272-6831
- Website: localwhiskeybar.com
Embracing Bourbon Infusions
Bourbon's new-barrel aging rule inspires reuse. Good Intent Cider's North Meets South blends hard apple cider and bourbon, aged 4-8 weeks—tart with caramel, vanilla, and mellow bourbon. It placed third at Pennsylvania Farm Show.
Barrel 21's barrels flavor Otto’s Pub & Brewery's Jolly Roger Stout.
- Address: 167 S Potter St, Bellefonte, PA 16823
- Phone: (814) 355-1654
- Website: goodintentcider.com
Not Just for Sipping
Foodies: Bonnie Blues Smokeys & Sweets food truck's triple chocolate whiskey cake uses Big Spring Spirits American whiskey. Follow on Facebook/BonnieBluesFoodTruck.
Grab Barrel 21’s bourbon-barrel-aged maple syrup—perfect with bourbon and orange zest for newbies.
Happy Valley has something for every bourbon lover. Cheers!
