Specialty whiskey, rum on sale at Fort Ligonier Museum Store

Looking for holiday gifts? Specialty whiskey and rum will be available for purchase at Fort Ligonier’s Museum Store during December.

St. Clair’s Spirits, a white rye whiskey made exclusively for the fort, and Queen Charlotte’s Courage Rum, the second in a series of three new distilled beverages, will be sold between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on three Saturdays in December — Dec. 2, 9 and 16.

The whiskey was made by West Overton Distilling Company, and it was distilled from rye grown at West Overton Village in East Huntingdon. The limited-edition bottle pays homage to early political and military leader Arthur St. Clair, who was one of Westmoreland County’s founders.

St. Clair was an aide-de-camp to George Washington during the American Revolution and rose to the rank of major general. He was also president of the Continental Congress in 1787 and governor of the Northwest Territory from 1788 to 1802.

Only 250 bottles of St. Clair’s Spirits were produced in celebration of Westmoreland County’s 250th anniversary, and it costs $65 for a 375 ml bottle.

Julie Donovan, director of marketing and public relations at Fort Ligonier, said she believes there’s around 40-50 bottles left for sale, and it will be offered while supplies last. She said it is also available at West Overton since that’s where it was produced.

Queen Charlotte’s Courage Rum was unveiled by the fort at the Cannon Ball in September. It was produced by the Pittsburgh-based Wigle Whiskey, and it costs $50 per 375 ml bottle.

Donovan said she believes there are about 60 bottles available.

The white rum’s label was inspired by the portrait “Queen Charlotte in Coronation Robes” from the studio of Allan Ramsay, which is on display in the art gallery. There has also been renewed interest in Queen Charlotte following the release of the Netflix show “Bridgerton.”

It is the first time a woman has been featured on a custom Fort Ligonier spirit.

Donovan said those who are unable to attend in person can call 724-238-9701 to purchase one during the aforementioned times and dates. She said the spirits have to be sold during those periods, but they can be picked up another day. No shipping is available.

“They really are a very special Christmas gift,” she said.

All proceeds will go toward Fort Ligonier preservation projects, according to Donovan.