A few months ago, we took a tour of the MGP Ingredients’ Distillery to taste its entire Rack House Series as well as some yet to be released expressions. And while we’ve been on our fair share of distillery tours, this one was different (and not just because it was the last one we did before COVID).
A few times each year, MGP open its doors to private media tours led by the master distillery team. For a visual, think a boozy Willy Wonka situation.
Even if you don’t know MGP, you’ve likely had its whiskey. One of the most historic distilleries in the country, they’ve either made or make some of today’s biggest bourbons and ryes. Their location in Lawrenceburg, Indiana is over 170 years old and is a leading supplier of bourbons, whiskeys, distilled gins and vodka. They’re also the largest U.S. supplier of rye whiskey. So, know you know.
Check out my photo diary below. Click any image to expand and see captions.
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”16″ display=”basic_slideshow” autoplay=”0″ arrows=”1″]The distillery’s Rack House Series first was George Remus Bourbon. Named after the “King of the Bootleggers,” Remus was a Chicago lawyer who moved to Cincinnati and created one of the most successful bootlegging operations of the Prohibition era. In fact, many say that the titular character of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby was inspired by Remus.
Remus was followed by Rossville Union Rye. The story of the brand It began in 1847 when George Ross opened the Rossville Distillery in Lawrenceburg. Given the city’s history with rye and MGP’s reputation for making rye, it only makes sense that they made their own.
In addition to Remus and Rossville Union, MGP also produces Eight & Sand Blended Bourbon Whiskey and Till American Wheat Vodka. The former is the newest member of the series and is a blend of bourbon and whiskies married to create a smooth spirit made for cocktails. Eight & Sand refers to the eighth notch on a locomotive’s throttle (it’s also the fastest) and the sand used on the wheels to prevent slipping. To wish a train crew an “Eight & Sand” is akin to “smooth sailing.” Till (yes, we know it’s a vodka) is created from Kansas wheat – considered the world’s finest – sourced from the best farms in the region. Their proprietary distilling process has been perfected over 75 years.
Special thanks to our friends at George Remus Bourbon, Rossville Union Rye and Till Vodka for having us!
