Historic whiskey brand to return with new tasting room

Driving the news: The new H. Obernauer & Co. will open a tasting room in Kingfly Spirits' former Strip District home at 2613 Smallman St. in the coming months, the company announced Tuesday.

Zoom in: Obernauer worked as a whiskey rectifier and blender in the greater Hill District, building a wholesale liquor business around brands such as Belle of Pittsburgh Rye, H. E. Brown Gin, Berthana Medicated Wine and Dr. Michael Cox Bitters.

The latest: Matthew Obernauer, Herman's great-great-grandson, recently rediscovered his family's whiskey legacy and is bringing H. Obernauer & Co. back to Pittsburgh. He's been publicly building out the brand for roughly a year.

• Kingfly Spirits abruptly closed earlier this year.

• The roughly 6,000-square-foot Strip District building once housed Civil War-era horse stables.

What they're saying: "As a whiskey-maker, Herman was successful thanks to his dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and integrity," said Obernauer. "We're proud to revive his legacy and begin a new chapter for a name that still upholds those values."

What's next: Whiskey tastings and craft cocktails could land as early as this fall.

• The company says additional details on its whiskey portfolio and opening plans will be announced in the coming months.
• Check hobernauer.co or follow along on social media for updates.