By RODNEY L. SHERMAN
Clarion News Editor
Moonshine, legal moonshine, it should be noted, will soon be available for purchase in central Salem Township.
Beginning Jan. 19, Shaffer Evergreen Rentals along State Route 208 just west of Lamartine, will carry “Chicken Hill Distillery” products.
Shaffer Evergreen Rentals opened about three years ago. The business at that time included a gift shop, rental rooms available for meetings and events and an Elk Mountain Wine outlet.
The gift shop has been self-sustaining and the room rentals have done very well, but the wine outlet was forced to close a couple of months ago after Elk Mountain Winery, based in Weedville, went out of business.
With Pennsylvania’s maze of liquor laws, it’s not as simple as just changing to a new wine supplier.
Shaffer Evergreen Rentals co-owner Vicki Miller said she and co-owner Kristen Shaffer are working to bring wine sales back to the business.
According to its website, Chicken Hill Distillery, established in 2017, “is the area’s newest distillery, taking great care using the finest ingredients and using the painstaking process of distilling to make a great tasting corn whiskey product.
“Tucked in the hills of Pennsylvania, Chicken Hill Distillery is the first and only distillery in Elk County specializing in legal moonshine.
“The area’s rural setting surrounded by woodlands is the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a tasting of country corn whiskey.”
Miller said she is excited about the new business opportunity and the new and returning customers the new product line will attract.
Shaffer Evergreen rentals will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 19 for its first day of “shine” sales.