Palmer was a lifelong gin and tonic drinker, and when he lost his job as president and CEO of the General Building Contractors Association during the financial crisis of 2008, he decided that it was time for a change.

Having made beer and wine with his father, Palmer enrolled in distilling classes at Cornell and embarked on a path that would lead him to Liberty, the small batch gin that he’s making in his Manayunk storefront today.

Palmer brings in Pennsylvania spring water as well as organic and American grown juniper, coriander, cardamom, lemon peel, and angelica root with the grains of paradise being the only ingredient that isn’t available grown to organic specifications.

Having just received approval from the PLCB, Liberty Gin is going to be hitting the shelves at 15 state stores in and outside of the city shortly.

There are plans in the works to convert a section of the distillery into a tasting room complete with live music and a selection of craft tonics by the end of July. Palmer’s first batch of whiskey should be ready to go at the end of the summer. 

Palmer Distilling; 376 Shurs Lane, 215-588-5108