MGP Distillery Launches First Namesake Bourbon Brand

MGP Ingredients, Inc. has launched MGP, its first spirits brand to carry the company’s name. The launch coincides with the return of the MGP Distillery name to the company’s Lawrenceburg, IN operation.

The brand’s first release, MGP Chapter One: Out of the Shadows, is a 10-year-old straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 111 proof. The company said the release marks the first time consumers can purchase a whiskey under the MGP name.

MGP has produced whiskey and other spirits for hundreds of brands. The company has operated primarily as a supplier and distiller for other companies rather than as a consumer-facing brand.

“The MGP name has built incredible equity over generations because of the quality of the products we make and the people behind them,” said Julie Francis, president and CEO of MGP Ingredients, Inc. “We’ve been making whiskey and spirits that others have proudly put their names on for decades. Bringing the MGP name back to the distillery and launching MGP Chapter One: Out of the Shadows is an exciting opportunity to share that story directly with consumers.”

For MGP Chapter One: Out of the Shadows, master distiller Ian Stirsman selected and blended barrels from the distillery’s LBSV mash bill, which contains 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% malted barley. The bourbon aged for 10 years in Rickhouse G at the Lawrenceburg distillery.

The company describes the whiskey as having notes of butterscotch, burnt sugar, molasses and cherry on the nose, followed by cherry cola, raspberries, chocolate, sassafras and leather on the palate. The finish includes cherry cola and sassafras.

“For MGP Chapter One: Out of the Shadows, we went into some of our exceptional barrels and made a whiskey that really represents what makes our distillery unique,” said Stirsman. “It’s exciting to finally share a bottle under the MGP name and give enthusiasts a taste of the craftsmanship that has been part of our distillery for generations.”

MGP Chapter One: Out of the Shadows launches in limited quantities nationwide this fall at a suggested retail price of $69.99 for a 750-ml. bottle.

The company said the release represents the first chapter in its MGP branded spirits portfolio.

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