NORTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — A proposal for a new distillery is brewing in the township.
Farmers Kenneth and Heather Skorinko plan to open a craft distillery with a tasting room.
They would build a 2,400-square-foot pole barn at 1990 Neffs Laurys Road in North Whitehall to house it.
Heather Skorinko said she plans to produce heritage corn whisky, rye whisky, vodka and rum, as well as short runs of fruit brandies.
The distillery will be mostly “field to glass,” meaning more than half of the drinks will be made from products raised on the Skorikos’ farm.
Heather Skorinko said she is not sure from where the rest will come.
“Until we’re approved, we can’t make any more specific plans,” she said.
Building a craft distillery is permitted by special exception on that property, meaning the township Zoning Hearing Board first must review it in a quasi-judicial hearing and make sure it follows township requirements.
The board discussed the matter on June 19, but Township Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer Aubrie Miller said the meeting ran long and no decision was reached.
The board will continue its discussion at its next meeting, at 7 p.m. July 17 in Schnecksville Fire Company Banquet Hall.
Will the use be approved?
Miller said there are objectors to the plan, meaning people who have officially become part of the hearing process because they don't believe the plan should move forward.
The objectors have not yet presented, but their primary concerns are traffic and noise, she said.
“We don't want to ruin the atmosphere as far as peace and quiet."Farmer Heather Skorinko
Heather Skorinko said she doesn’t think traffic will be a major issue. The tasting room will have a capacity of about 40 people, and she will not allow larger events such as weddings.
“We’re going to be a small facility,” Skorinko said. “The traffic impact will be less than any large development coming in here.”
She also said there will be no outdoor seating, and any events such as holding live music will take place inside.
“We don't want to ruin the atmosphere as far as peace and quiet,” she said.
