Robert Cassell

Robert Cassell is an entrepreneur, president of New Liberty Distillery in Pennsylvania, and co-founder of Connacht Whiskey Company in Ireland. Rob began his career in 2000 and in 2004 helped found Philadelphia Distilling, producer of Bluecoat Gin. With a growing passion for craft spirits, in 2011, Rob gave testimony to the Pennsylvania Senate Law and Justice Committee arguing for reform of Pennsylvania’s 1951 liquor code, which banned craft distilleries from selling their products on-site. Since then, he has continuously advocated for issues affecting the industry at large and particularly for small distillers. Rob was one of the original members of the DISCUS Craft Advisory Council and now represents the craft voice with many industry associations and groups including the American Distilling Institute, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association, and currently serves as the President of the Pennsylvania Distillers Guild. His advocacy and efforts have opened world of opportunity to the distilling community in Pennsylvania and beyond.