Big Chief heads into the whiskey-rich hills of Somerset, Pennsylvania, where coal dust memories and rye whiskey pride still echo through the mountains. He sits down with Maximilian Merrill, owner of Ponfeigh Distillery, a man reviving the bold legacy of Monongahela Rye, one barrel at a time.

With roots tracing back to the Ponfeigh Smokeless Coal Company and a family hunting cabin where rye once flowed freely, Maximilian shares the story behind the name, the heritage, and the craft that fuels Pennsylvania’s largest working distillery. It’s more than whiskey—it’s a generational echo in a glass.

Big Chief and Maximilian open with Ponfeigh’s 90 proof Monongahela Rye with a mashbill of 95% rye strait from the river valley and 5% malted barley. It’s a balanced, spice-forward whiskey steeped in history and tradition. Notes of baking spice, dark fruit, and that unmistakable rye backbone set the tone.

On the second half they step into deeper waters with the cask strength Monongahela Rye, unfiltered, unapologetic, and absolutely unforgettable. This bold expression packs a punch and then wraps you in a warm hug of orange spice tea, hot honey, and dessert-like sweetness. It’s a perfect nightcap pour, a dessert whiskey for those who prefer their sweets with a kick.

Don’t miss this powerful episode filled with legacy, fire, and flavor. Because this isn’t just about sipping whiskey, it’s about honoring where it came from.

Here’s to Ponfeigh. Here’s to passion. And here’s to the road that always leads to the next great pour.

This is The Whiskey Trip. Let’s ride.