Pittsburgh – The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) announced that J.T. Thomas, All-Pro defensive back, four-time professional football champion, and member of the Steel Curtain Defense, will sign pre-purchased bottles of Papa’s Pilar Rum beginning at 6:00 PM Friday, Feb. 21, at the Fine Wine & Good Spirits (FW&GS) Premium Collection, 5956 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh.
A native of Georgia, Thomas attended Florida State University and was the Pittsburgh Steelers #1 draft choice in 1973. While with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he received All-Pro honors as a defensive back and was a member of the Steel Curtain Defense that won four championships during the 1970s and 1980s. Thomas and Mel Blount are ranked #6 in the NFL Top 10 Cornerback Tandem of All-Time. Since his retirement from professional football in 1983, Thomas operated franchise restaurants in the Pittsburgh area. Thomas is Pennsylvania’s Rum Ambassador for Papa’s Pilar Rum, a distillery in Key West, Fla., that embodies the great explorer and author Ernest Hemingway.
FW&GS customers 21 years of age and older can sample the following spirits at this Pittsburgh location beginning at 6:00 PM:
- Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum (Code 100038590), $44.99
- Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum (Code 100038589), $34.99
Fine Wine & Good Spirits (FW&GS) is Pennsylvania’s go-to destination for wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink cocktails, as well as in-store tastings and events. With nearly 575 stores statewide and a robust online shopping experience at FWGS.com, FW&GS offers a wide selection of products for customers to discover new favorites, find trusted classics, and explore exclusive, limited-release selections. FW&GS is part of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), which contributes to the state’s economy by returning taxes and profits – nearly $21.1 billion since the agency’s inception – to Pennsylvania’s General Fund, financing Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety and community initiatives. The PLCB also provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, other state agencies, and local municipalities across the state. Every purchase made at a FW&GS store or at FWGS.com helps strengthen Pennsylvania, supporting nearly 6,000 employees and more than 2,500 communities across the commonwealth.
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WHAT: J.T. Thomas to sign pre-purchased bottles of Papa’s Pilar rum
WHEN: 6:00 PM Friday, Feb. 21, 2025
WHERE: Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection, 5956 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
MEDIA CONTACT: Shawn M. Kelly, 717.303.8522
EDITOR’S NOTE: Media access to this event with J.T. Thomas will be limited to credentialed media and professional photographers. Media interested in covering this event must contact Shawn Kelly in advance.
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