Attention Michter's Fans....

[ethangsmith]

Coming up on Valentines Day (Feb, 14th 2010) is the 20th anniversary of Michter's closing its doors in Schaefferstown. The owner of the distillery and I are planning on doing a "Toast to Michter's" that day and possibly giving a tour, and, if we are really lucky, have master distiller Dick Stoll there. Again, this is all up in the air and I am just gauging interest. If we can get it all together, we plan on making it an event! Let me know if you are interested and I will keep you all up to date if there is enough interest and we get it all together!

[unclebunk]

Sure wish you weren't so far away. That would be great fun!

[SMOWK]

I can quite possibly make it. I'm down on delmarva. Where do I sign up?

[BBQ+Bourbon]

WOW! That is really cool! I wish I could make it because that would be a truly amazing opportunity. Unfortunately you are 1700 miles away. Wow!

[ethangsmith]

Right now this thread is to gauge interest and see how many people would be able to make it to the distillery that day. By replying to the thread saying you can come lets me know your interest. All updates will also be through this thread. Keep in mind that this is still in the planning stages and will only happen if we get enough people that can come. So even if you're not a Michter's fan but are interested in history or really neat abandoned stuff, come along for the day!

[tmckenzie]

I have been planning on getting down there, this may be the right time. Have you talked to Dick yet?

[SMOWK]

The lady and I will make a Valentine's mini-vacation out of it. I think she would have a great time touring an old distillery on Valentine's day. I've got a keeper.

[ethangsmith]

I have been planning on getting down there, this may be the right time. Have you talked to Dick yet?

I have what I think is his contact info and passed it along to the owner of the distillery. He knew Dick many years ago and said he is going to call him. Again, this is all in the planning stages so nothing is concrete yet. But so far the response has been very positive so I hope to at least do a tour.

[Ruby K]

Definitely interested and may have a friend or two interested as well. Plus my lady and i don't put too much stock in the hallmark holidays so i might be able to....

[ethangsmith]

Ok, just spoke to the owner of Michter's and at this point, we are on for the 14th! He is willing to give at least 1 tour (his health isn't great so walking around a lot isn't easy all the time for him) of the safe parts of the distillery. So, that all being said, what time would work best for all of you that want to come? I was thinking later morning, like 10AM or something. That way it's not as cold, but it still gives ample time for a tour and then time to spend with your significant others the rest of the day.

[SMOWK]

My girl and I are seriously planning to make it a weekend trip. Where is everyone staying?

[ethangsmith]

For those of you that are going to be staying over night on Saturday, Lebanon PA is close by and has several hotels. As for an address for Michter's to use in your car nav. system, you'll have to use the intersection of Michters Rd and Distillery Rd because the distillery does not have an address.

[SMOWK]

We are planning on coming into town Friday and leaving Sunday night. Anyone going to be around Saturday night to get together for dinner? Any recommendations from anyone local?

[BourbonJoe]

I would love to get together with y'all and even invite y'all to have some drinks in my bunker, but the 14th is the day after the wife and I go on our cruise. At any other time we might have been able to fit this in. Sorry we can't make it but I hope all that show up have a good time.

Joe :usflag:

[SMOWK]

Anyone willing to make a few trades while we're there? I have never tasted a drop of anything from the Schaeferstown distillery. I've got a few Pappy 20s, as well as numerous others in the same realm.

[ethangsmith]

I have a small amount of Michter's I drained out of a decanter. I'll bring it along. It's awesome stuff. There is nothing else like it.

[PAspirit1]

What is the town and zip code?

[ethangsmith]

It is near Schaefferstown, PA, however, it has a Newmanstown ZIP code of 17073.

[ethangsmith]

An update- at this point all systems are "GO" and the response has been VERY positive. Thanks to a fellow member, I have gotten in contact with Dick Stoll and his wife Elaine. They both plan on attending the event. For those of you that don't know, Mr. Stoll was plant manager and later master distiller and Mrs. Stoll was a tour guide. Several others have volunteered to bring personal items to display. Stay tuned for more updates!

[B1bomber]

Wow, what a concept. I've wanted to visit there for a long time but always imagined doing so in the summer months so as to make it a destination on my bike. Hmmm.... Gotta say, this is darn tempting. Wish it weren't Valentine's Day-- I'm pretty sure my wife's dream of the perfect Valentine's day doesn't include me heading off to visit a former distillery. That said, I'd love to attend. Is there a cutoff date, or deadline, for when one can sign up?

[PAspirit1]

It's looking like I might be able to go.

[ethangsmith]

At this point I have no cut-off date.

However, one thing that EVERYONE attending MUST be aware of:

Michter's is an abandoned industrial site. There is plenty of rust, protruding objects, uneven flooring and ground, low-hanging objects, and some unstable buildings (the tour will not be going into any unsafe or unstable areas!). That being said, you will be at your own risk during these tours and open-toed shoes, sandals, or crocs will not be allowed. Also, it will probably be very cold so wearing your "dirty" pants and heavy jacket/coat would probably be a good idea as well as there is no heat, water, or electric in all the buildings but one (and that one only has lighting.).

[ethangsmith]

As a side note, for those of you that are going to be getting there with your nav system, use this address:

215 Michters Road

Newmanstown,PA 17073

[SMOWK]

I just booked my room at the Quality Inn Lebanon Valley. Employee rates are a beautiful thing. I'll be there Friday-Sunday. If anyone would like to get together for dinner, or some bourbon drinking, let me know. I will have a few bottles on hand.

Also, if anyone is familiar with the area, please post some tips on things to do. One thing I know is a must, is getting some Lebanon Bologna. MMMMMMMMMMMM.

[ethangsmith]

Indeed. Get your bologna! Lititz has Wilbur Chocolate, Hershey has a few different things (the amusement park isn't open). Harrisburg has the state museum. Lancaster has all the PA Dutch stuff.