Before the Barrel Distillery

(814) 964-3133

There is a certain chemistry between Bernie Blore and the craft spirits that he produces. After all, the owner of Before the Barrel Distillery trained as a chemical engineer, and he brings an obvious passion to the distilling process. He specializes in un-aged spirits and flavored moonshine, and runs a true “still-to-table” operation, starting with locally grown corn, and then handcrafting each small batch right at the same 11 South Center Street location where his customers can enjoy mixed drinks, free samples, and purchase bottles (or even cases) to go. After growing up in Harborcreek and then graduating from University of Pittsburgh, Blore held several chemical engineering positions at different places across the country. Meanwhile, his parents had relocated to Route 6 in between Corry and Union City, and Blore felt that Corry’s unique downtown made for the perfect place to launch his new business in 2022. Open Thursday through Saturday from 12-9 p.m. and Sundays from 12-4, Before the Barrel Distillery offers a product to meet every taste preference. Blore’s flavored moonshines run the gamut, from the popular Salted Caramel Pecan to Black and Blueberry, his newest flavor. For the more traditional drinker, there is Rum Runner’s Rum, distilled from cane sugar and molasses, and Corn Moonshine, a specialty spirit distilled from corn and cane sugar with a feel that is similar to the popular corn vodkas on the market. For whiskey drinkers, aged Corn Moonshine is also available, with a chunk of oak in each bottle to provide a unique and individual aged barrel flavor. Blore has even added craft beers from Riverside Brewing to his drink menu, putting a new and fresh twist on the saying that Corry really is a “shot and beer” town!