The collaboration was born from Yards looking to experiment with their flavor base — since their malt is incredibly flavorful, they frequently wondered what it would be like if they distilled from that base. Luckily, the people behind Philadelphia Distilling were game to give it a try, and so the two companies created a whiskey based on the Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale. Once Philadelphia Distilling got the recipe, they ran the whiskey through a “Forsyth’s 1500L copper pot still twice before aging the whiskey in a high charred 53-gallon new American oak barrel,” and the resulting 90-proof whiskey was smooth and reminiscent of beer at the same time.

 

The name is a play on the word “Broad,” referring both to Philly’s Broad Street and to the strong, talented women who live here — according to Philadelphia Distilling, “it’s a tribute to our city’s underdog spirit, its history and character, and the women we know and love: Bold, smart and witty—and proud to be from Philly.”

 

There are only 300 bottles available for preorder directly from Philadelphia Distilling, so either call at 215-671-0346 (ext. 13) or email pete@philadelphiadistilling.com. Bottles can be picked up on December 15 from 5 PM - 7 PM, when Philadelphia Distilling will host a small release party at 25 E Allen St., the distillery’s new Fishtown location. Guests will be able to enjoy complimentary cocktails and beer while taking a sneak peek of the distillery and will also be able to pick up their Tough Broad (though they are limited to 2 per customer) for $45 each. Be sure to reserve quickly, as they do expect to sell out. If you can’t make it to the party or miss the preorder, a few bars in Philly will carry Tough Broad after December 15, including Olde Bar, Village Whiskey, TIME, Urban Farmer, Charlie Was a Sinner, Whetstone, and Wm. Mulherin’s.