Think about discovering a couple of dusty bottles of bourbon over 100 and twenty years outdated in your loved ones’s possessions. You could surprise how the bottles might have survived intact after greater than a century, and much more importantly, would the bourbon be drinkable? Spoiler alert, the reply in our story was sure.
The trendy story of Joseph A. Magnus & Co. begins with such a discovery in 2007. The unique Joseph A. Magnus, a wholesaler, and producer of spirits within the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, was a profitable and well-respected businessman in his time. Nonetheless, his story had lengthy light into historical past, and even his household solely knew vaguely about his life and work. Then, Magnus’s great-grandson Jimmy Turner found the aged bottles and set off to study who his ancestor was. This led to uncovering a outstanding life and assortment of whiskeys seemingly misplaced to time because of the arrival of Prohibition.
We requested Ali Anderson, Nationwide Gross sales Supervisor for Jos A. Magnus & Co. to share the model’s unbelievable story.
Inform us a bit in regards to the historical past of the brand- the highlights.
Joseph A Magnus is a high-end bourbon model with a outstanding historical past courting again to the center of the nineteenth century. Joseph A Magnus himself was a savvy businessman who constructed up a liquor empire primarily based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, priding himself not solely on the standard and age of his spirits, but in addition on clever and honorable enterprise strategies. The model grew to become identified for its scrumptious taste, incomparable bouquet, mellowness, and purity. In 1918, the arrival of Nationwide Prohibition brought on Magnus to pause his whiskey manufacturing and gross sales, and the story of his success started to fade into legend. Nevertheless, practically a century later, a couple of fastidiously preserved bottles of 122-year-old Murray Hill Membership Whiskey had been found by certainly one of Magnus’ great-grandsons. Utilizing the identical mixing and ending methods Joseph Magnus employed over 100 years in the past, Magnus Grasp Blender, Nancy Fraley, finishes 12-year-old bourbon in a triple cask ending course of utilizing Oloroso Sherry, Pedro Ximénez, and Cognac casks to return as shut as attainable to the unique Joseph Magnus Bourbon in that 122-year-old bottle. Immediately, Joseph A Magnus is a extremely acclaimed bourbon model nonetheless heralded as one of the vital outstanding spirits for probably the most outstanding folks.
Discuss to us about one thing most individuals wouldn’t know in regards to the story of the model.
Through the prohibition period in the US, Magnus needed to halt his whiskey manufacturing and gross sales, because it was unlawful. Nevertheless, he continued to get pleasure from nice spirits and even hosted secret tastings for family and friends at his dwelling. His dedication to the craft of whiskey-making didn’t waver, and he eagerly shared his information and experience along with his family members, passing down the secrets and techniques of his course of. This dedication to the craft, even throughout a time when it was unlawful, speaks to the eagerness and dedication that has been on the coronary heart of the Joseph Magnus model since its inception.
What’s most essential for bartenders to know in regards to the model?
Joseph A Magnus bourbons are produced utilizing a novel triple cask ending course of, which includes getting old the bourbon in three completely different casks – Oloroso Sherry, Pedro Ximénez, and Cognac. This course of imparts distinctive taste and complexity to the bourbon, making it stand out from different bourbons out there. Joseph A Magnus is a high-end bourbon model with a outstanding historical past courting again to the younger, war-torn America of the center nineteenth century, producing extremely acclaimed whiskies that are loved by folks of discriminating style even after greater than 130 years since its founding.
Discuss to us in regards to the distillation methods- what units it aside?
The distillation strategies employed by Joseph A Magnus are extremely exact and contain a triple cask ending course of, which incorporates utilizing Oloroso Sherry, Pedro Ximénez, and Cognac casks to offer the bourbon its distinctive taste profile and memorable smoothness. Immediately, the bourbon is aged to maturity and blended by the Grasp Blenders, Will Fabry and Nancy Fraley, who use the identical methods that Joseph Magnus himself used over a century in the past, leading to a very distinctive and extremely sought-after bourbon.
How might a bartender describe the model to a visitor in 2 sentences or much less.
Joseph A. Magnus Bourbon is a triple-cask completed 12-year-old bourbon with a wealthy historical past courting again to the nineteenth century, identified for its distinctive style and high quality.
What are bartenders doing with the model’s whiskies?
For many, bartenders are providing straight pours of our Magnus whiskies- Murray Hill Membership, Cigar Mix, and Magnus bourbon. Neat or with a big rock. For others, they’re making excessive finish cocktails with the Magnus bourbon. Recipes for these cocktails included under.
Discuss to us about being a “specific model for specific folks.”
The thought of being a selected model for specific folks implies a concentrate on high quality and exclusivity, catering to these with refined tastes and a discerning palate. Joseph Magnus Bourbon embodies this idea via its meticulous manufacturing course of, use of premium substances, and a focus to element in getting old and ending methods, leading to a definite taste profile that appeals to whiskey connoisseurs.
Scofflaw
Components:
- 2 oz Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- 1 to 2 dashes grenadine
- 1 sprint orange bitters
Preparation: Mix Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey, dry vermouth, lemon juice, grenadine, and orange bitters in a shaker with ice and shake till well-chilled. Pressure into a calming coupe glass.
Ginger Julep
Components:
- 1 ½ oz Joseph Magnus Bourbon
- 8 mint leaves
- ¼ oz easy syrup
- ½” knob of ginger
- Mint stalk, garnish
Preparation: In a shaker tin, add mint leaves, easy syrup and ginger knob, and muddle. Add Joseph Magnus Bourbon and ice and stir vigorously. Pressure combination right into a julep tin with crushed ice and garnish with mint stalk.
Magnus’ Daiquiri
Components:
- 2 oz Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz lime juice
- ¾ oz easy syrup
- Lime wheel (for garnish)
Preparation: In a shaker tin with ice add all substances and mix. Pressure into a calming coupe. Garnish with a lime wheel.
