Episode 27 - Lana & Alex Ramsey

What do you get when you combine a historic bank, locally sourced ingredients and a passion for craft spirits? You get Heist Spirits in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania! On this episode of WashCo Insider, host Ryanne Dougherty welcomes owners Alex and Lana Ramsey to share how they transformed a 1921 bank building into one of Washington County's most distinctive craft distilleries. From the fascinating grain-to-glass distilling process and the building's massive original vault door to inventive seasonal cocktails and a growing lineup of handcrafted spirits, the Ramseys reveal what makes Heist so special. Plus, they share exciting news about their expansion into a neighboring historic building, plans for additional event space and the evolution of their Golden Handcuffs brand. It's a story of entrepreneurship, historic preservation and community pride that's worth raising a glass to!

Inside Heist Spirits: How a Historic Bank Became a Craft Distillery in Burgettstown, PA

A century-old bank, a five-ton vault door and a passion for locally crafted spirits. Welcome to Heist Spirits, one of Washington County's most unique destinations.

In the heart of Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, a historic bank building has found an unexpected second life. Instead of safeguarding money, it's now home to handcrafted whiskey, gin, creative cocktails and a growing community of visitors.

On Episode 27 of the WashCo Insider, Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency host Ryanne Dougherty sits down with Alex and Lana Ramsey, the husband-and-wife team behind Heist Spirits, to explore their journey from aspiring entrepreneurs to craft distillery owners, the remarkable restoration of their historic building and their ambitious plans for the future.

From Historic Bank to Craft Distillery

When Alex and Lana Ramsey began planning their distillery, they knew they wanted a building with character, history and the structural strength to support heavy distilling equipment.

They found exactly that in downtown Burgettstown.

Originally completed in 1921, the former bank building features impressive limestone architecture, Corinthian columns and one particularly unforgettable feature: an original bank vault.

The Ramseys purchased the building in 2021 and spent approximately two years transforming it into a working craft distillery and tasting room.

Rather than stripping away its historic identity, they embraced it.

Visitors will discover ornate chandeliers, antique mirrors, carefully restored architectural details and personal family heirlooms throughout the space. Many of the decorative pieces came from Lana's grandmother, adding another layer of history and meaning to the experience.

But the undisputed centerpiece is the bank vault.

Its massive, 5,000-pound Diebold vault door dates to approximately 1910, predating the building itself. Despite its extraordinary weight, the door can still be moved with surprisingly little effort.

Today, the preserved vault is one of the distillery's most memorable features and a favorite spot for visitor photographs.

Grain to Glass: Craft Spirits Made with Local Ingredients

While the building's history might bring visitors through the doors, the craftsmanship behind Heist Spirits gives them another reason to appreciate this Washington County business.

Heist Spirits operates as an independently owned, family-run limited distillery specializing in grain-to-glass production.

What does grain-to-glass mean?

At Heist, the process begins with grains sourced from local farms within approximately 10 miles of the distillery. Those grains are milled, mashed, fermented and distilled on-site before the resulting spirits are bottled or aged in barrels.

Alex oversees much of the production process, combining his professional background in the oil and gas industry with years of research, experimentation and hands-on distilling experience.

The distillery produces a growing collection of whiskeys and gins, along with ready-to-drink canned cocktails.

Heist has also built an impressive inventory of aging spirits, filling barrels that will spend years developing their character before reaching consumers.

It's a process that requires patience, precision and a long-term commitment to quality.

Creative Cocktails and a Welcoming Burgettstown Gathering Place

Of course, visiting Heist Spirits is about much more than understanding how whiskey is made.

The tasting room has become a gathering place where visitors can enjoy imaginative cocktails, live entertainment, local food and good company.

Lana leads the creative side of the cocktail experience, drawing inspiration from her family's restaurant background, seasonal ingredients and visits to Pittsburgh's Strip District.

Her approach often incorporates unexpected flavors and ingredients, resulting in a rotating menu of inventive cocktails.

The distillery regularly introduces new seasonal selections, giving returning guests something different to discover.

Visitors can also enjoy local musicians, food trucks, occasional trivia nights and an outdoor patio during suitable weather.

For those interested in the building's history or the science behind distilling, Heist also offers opportunities to schedule tours.

Whether you're planning a night out with friends, exploring Washington County's craft beverage scene or looking for something different to experience near Pittsburgh, Heist Spirits offers a distinctive combination of history, hospitality and local craftsmanship.

Heist Spirits Announces Expansion into Another Historic Building

One of the biggest announcements shared during the podcast involves the next chapter for Heist Spirits.

The Ramseys have acquired the neighboring former Burgettstown hardware store, another historic property with ties to the community's early banking history.

The expansion will address several important needs as the distillery continues growing.

Plans include additional barrel storage, a dedicated grain-processing area, expanded tasting room seating and flexible space for private events and entertainment.

The neighboring building also contains historic architectural features, including original tin ceilings, wood floors and brickwork that the Ramseys intend to preserve as part of the renovation.

While production-related improvements are already underway, the guest-facing expansion will require additional development.

The project represents more than a business investment. It's another opportunity to preserve a piece of Burgettstown's architectural history while creating new reasons for visitors to explore the community.

A New Chapter for the Heist Spirits Brand

The expansion isn't the only exciting change on the horizon.

During the episode, Alex and Lana also discuss plans to evolve the branding of their spirits.

Until now, many of their bottled products have carried the Golden Handcuffs name, a reference to Alex's former career and the financial security he eventually left behind to pursue entrepreneurship.

As the business has grown, however, the Ramseys have recognized an opportunity to bring their bottled spirits under the more recognizable Heist Spirits identity.

They are working toward transitioning their traditional spirits to Heist Spirits branding while retaining Golden Handcuffs for their ready-to-drink cocktail lineup.

It's another milestone in the continued evolution of this family-owned Washington County business.

Discover Heist Spirits in Washington County, Pennsylvania

For Alex and Lana Ramsey, Heist Spirits has always been about more than producing great spirits.

Their goal is to create a welcoming destination where neighbors become friends, visitors discover something unexpected and the history of Burgettstown continues to be celebrated.

From locally sourced ingredients and handcrafted cocktails to historic preservation and ambitious expansion plans, their story reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Washington County such a compelling place to explore.