Big Spring Spirits, a craft distillery based out of Bellefonte, is set to open a location in State College. The distillery will take over the space on the first floor of the Scholar Hotel at 205 E. Beaver Ave.

Big Spring makes its own spirits, including tequila, gin, rum, whiskey, rye, bourbon, and more, with Bellefonte-based water. It also specializes in cocktails made from its liquors.

“As we get acclimated to being downtown, we will have a slightly smaller menu than we do in Bellefonte.  Additionally, because we will be operating under the hotel’s liquor license, we will be able to have some offerings downtown that we can’t do in Bellefonte (our distiller’s license means that we are only allowed to serve the alcohol we produce, + PA-produced wine and beer),” Lucy Rogers, Big Spring Spirits’ tasting room manager, said.

“So that means that while we will continue to focus on local, we will be able to offer things that we don’t make–Irish Whiskey, Scotch, cordials–but also wine from around the world. We really believe we are in the process of creating a great local bar that will be truly focused on quality beverages.”

Big Spring has yet to announce an opening date, though it should open its doors within the month, with a grand opening in October. Once it opens, according to a sign on the door, Big Spring will be open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. every day.

“Our establishment in Bellefonte just celebrated its 10th anniversary. It is not just a tasting room and bar, it also includes our manufacturing facility –the distillery–and that is where we produce and bottle our spirits, using award-winning Bellefonte water,” Rogers said. “The opportunity arose in State College as a partnership with the Scholar Hotel Group, who were interested in bringing the Big Spring brand and experience to their hotel bar. On our end, it’s a chance to bring greater exposure to our brand, our spirits, and our craft cocktails.”

Big Spring has already made its way into State College, with its liquor sold at the Allen Street Grill, Bill Pickle’s Tap Room, Cafe 210, Federal Taphouse, and more. It also has a distillery in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and has one on the way in Pittsburgh.

Folks looking to get their hands on Big Spring’s product before it opens in State College can do so here.