MGP whiskey marks 100 years since Prohibition

by Owen Bellwood

Third-party spirits producer MGP Ingredients has unveiled a limited edition Bourbon to commemorate 100 years since the start of Prohibition in the US.

Remus Volstead Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey is bottled in bond from 2005 Bourbons distilled at MGP's distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. It is said to have "rich aromas of dried candied fruit, caramelised pecans, oak, char and tobacco". On the palate the whiskey has flavours of cherry, caramel, oak, leather and spices. Andrew Mansinne, vice president of brands at MGP Ingredients, said: "Prohibition launched an era of social change which created legends such as George Remus, King of the Bootleggers, and a speakeasy culture that persists to this day. "Remus Volstead Reserve is made from our finest 14-year aged reserves and has spent the same time in barrel as this country spent under Prohibition. Like this singular historic era, our Volstead Reserve is one of a kind." The new release coincides with the 100th anniversary of the start of Prohibition. The 18th Amendment outlawing the production and distribution of alcoholic spirits in the US was first ratified on 16 January 1919 and came into force one year later. Prohibition in the US ended in 1933. A maximum of 500 nine-litre cases will be produced, with the whiskey bottled at 50% abv. Remus Volstead Reserve will be available in November for RRP US$199.99 per 750ml bottle.