First of all, although many pictures of the warehouses at Lawrenceburg, Indiana facility show barrels being stored on their side (aka, in ricks), the large majority are actually stored on palates (upright). The standard bottling is 47% ABV. Remus Repeal Reserve, George Remus (both bourbon and rye whiskey) Rossville Rye Whiskey, Eight and Sand Blended Bourbon Whiskey, Tanners Creek Bourbon. The next letter indicates the mashbill that was used. Up Next: Spirits. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. There stands a good chance that a number of those brands will have to re-convert to an all-MGPI portfolio of whiskey or at least run two brands simultaneously (much like how Nelsons Green Brier produces their own whiskey, but will continue bottling their Belle Meade line of MGPI bourbon). We partner with small startups and global brands alike to innovate in the food science industry and create some of the finest whiskeys, ryes, bourbons, gins and vodkas in the world. We specialize in everything from old world to new world, organic & natural wines, whiskeys & scotches and everything else. Whether were collaborating with each other or with our customers, we take pride in our craft and refuse to settle for anything less than exceptional. Edgar Bronfman Jr. (who was at the helm of the company in the 1990s) sunk more and more money into the entertainment industry companies that he owned. In MGPIs current assortment of warehouses, there exists a unique, single-story, metal-clad building with a concrete floor that is used primarily for experimentation. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. He ended up selecting the 5th profile variety and the 7th profile variety as the ones that Seagrams would produce. The other reason has to do with variances in the warehouses. All Rights Reserved. OLD FOURTH DISTILLERY Address 487 Edgewood Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 Get Directions Phone (844) 653-3687 Tasting Room Hours: Thursday 12PM - 7PM Friday 12PM - 10PM Saturday 12PM - 10PM Sunday 12PM - 7PM Tours run at the following times: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm Walk-ins are welcome, or book your tour online. September 1, 2014 MGP and LDI History Midwest Grain Products (MGP) is a grain and neutral spirit supplier based in Atchinson, KS. The company was sold to Pernod-Ricard and owned by them until 2007, when it was purchased by MGP. These higher humidity levels would actually increase the amount of alcohol evaporation within the barrels, resulting in the distinct pattern of low-proof whiskey coming from the distillery. I asked them how many mashbills they make in total. But GNS must come off the still above 190 proof. Even if you havent heard of MGP Distillery in Indiana, youve probably tasted whiskey from it. It's about the same age as their standard rye, but with a different ratio of rye mashbills. Of all the products (listed here), the most well-known and popular that they sell to various brands are the: So when you see those mashbills listed on products with various names (particular the 95% rye), there is a super good chance they were distilled at MGP. At some point in the early 70s, Seagrams along with the other distillers, approached the TTB about officially creating the category of Light Whiskey along with its production standards and received an approval for it. Its one of the largest distilleries in the country. Our tour of MGP's massive operation included a bit of a history lesson on the town of Lawrenceburg, Indiana. This is unlike the "vertical aging chamber" rickhouses in Kentucky where it's an open model (there's a frame on the outside but it acts as one big room) and the bottom level is cool while the top floor is super hot. That includes not just bourbon and rye but vodka and gin, as the company has long been a producer of neutral grain. So although nobody from the 1930s is still around to say for sure, it is a very real possibility that the same bourbon and rye whiskey recipes were invented in the 1930s. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. He murdered his wife but was acquitted for 'temporary insanity.' La Casa del Caminos Comedor & the Rooftop Lounge Offer California-Inspired Citrus City Grille Reveals 2022 Christmas Eve Menu. Luckily there is a clear point of differentiation. Everything from industrial alcohol to vodka is produced there, but lately it's become best known for its bourbon and rye. Qualified candidates who are detail oriented and quality minded are encouraged to apply. Every distiller in Kentucky has been dumping millions of dollars into pristine landscaping, educational tours and new facilities to give each distillery its own unique appeal and lure to the tourists and whiskey enthusiasts alike. For starters, all of their whiskeys are blends of mashbills. Come see why The Wall Street Journal says Astorwines.com is one of the best websites for buying wine online. On the bourbon end of MGP Distillerys whiskey is the George Remus brand. Up until 1962, bourbon was still being distilled to around 107 to 110 proof, which made long aging times less necessary because the additional water content was much faster at extracting the sugars from the oak of the barrel. They told me that, in addition to being the largest producer of rye whiskey in America, MGP is also the largest producer of gin, all of which is made for other customers. Midwest Grain Products (MGP), based in Atchison, Kansas, is one of the largest distilleries in the U.S.and a major supplier of premium distilled spirits. Thus began a series of incidents where the public began to witness hometown brands sprouting up with their own whiskey for sale that was usually made in Indiana. Samples: I got to try all 4 of their selections. So launching its own line of brands makes sense. The growing bourbon and whiskey trend in the US is experiencing a renaissance much like the wine and craft beer explosions of the 90s and 00s. To add insult to injury, the lawsuit also revealed to whiskey enthusiasts that Templeton took the rye whiskey and added an alcohol flavoring formulation made by Clarendon Flavor Engineers of Louisville, KY to achieve a specific flavor. Please check your entries and try again. It's a blend of bourbon, rye, light whiskey, and corn whiskey. MGP Distillery Whiskey Tasting with Master Blender Pam Soule . The palate is heavy with caramel, vanilla, and toffee notes with a bold rye spice and a hint of smoke. More Information Contact News & Press. It is believed that modern day MGPI bourbon and rye whiskey recipes have been around since the beginning of Seagrams two iconic brands. For those who like a higher proof, Rossville Union Barrel Proof adds to the high ABV group of MGP Distillerys whiskey collection. This industrial-looking complex is home to the whiskey that is found in literally hundreds of different bottles nationwide. Lets take a look at their similarities and differences in a broad scope: With all of this talk of rye, it is important to note that the most commonly used rye for whiskey products made at the Lawrenceburg, Indiana Distillery come from Germany while Polish, Swedish and Canadian rye are also used if it matches the profile that theyre looking for. Labelled a blended bourbon, its a blend of high rye bourbon, rye, light whiskey, and corn whiskey. Theres a reason why everyone from Bulleit and Templeton to WhistlePig and High West sources from MGP. For the first time ever, MGPI would now have their bourbon bottled from barrels that the customers would hand-pick. In this facility there are three gin stills and two continuous column stills. MGP worked with the TTB (the U.S. agency that regulates alcohol) to designate blended bourbon as a legal definition. With CL Financial (CLF) in control of the plant, it was a gamble on if they would be able to move the large stores of whiskey that now filled their warehouses. Since they're dealing with lots and lots of grain, they also make grain products (list here), including raw ingredients for everything from pastries to pizza crust to imitation cheese. MGP continues the legacy as one of Lawrenceburgs original distilleries and the only one still producing whiskey. URLs automatically linked. But there are many more similarities that continue to connect these two distilleries to this day. With a giant plant capacity, Pernod Ricard began to explore the market for all of the product they had in their warehouses. MGP didnt fully take over until 2011, after Seagrams had gone out of business and the company had changed hands a few times. Hi, I'm Kelli Nakagama, the whiskey-obsessed travel fanatic behind Whiskied Wanderlust, a whiskey and travel site based in Chicago. MGP's began life as the Rossville Union Distillery in 1847; after Prohibition, in 1933, it was purchased by the legendary Canadian company Seagram. Your email address is never shared. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The timing was perfect as America had just started to exit the Great Depression and Prohibition had come to an end. Experience is limited to 21 and above.Ten Unique Recipes- limitless possibilities! Next, the expansion team looked within their home state and found a massive warehouse in Sunman, Indiana that was previously owned by international packaging company Deufol. Yet there are no manicured grounds, no craft cocktail bar, no tours and no visitors allowed. Ive always put vodka on the bottom of my list of drinkable spirits, but I admit being surprised by Till. We saw the Mother in action when we visited the fermenting tanks massive, bubbling yeasty brews that seemingly go on for miles, the smell of banana bread wafting through the air. 2 spirits were outsourced from MGP in Indiana to get them started, however Glenn's Creek finished aging them in the barrels and 2 are 100% theirs from start to finish. That unknown was soon answered with a resounding thud of the worldwide recession that hit in 2008. Learn how your comment data is processed. The first thing thats apparent and, in hindsight, assumed about MGP Distillery is the size. It honors the famous rye made here back in 1847 with Rossville Union Straight Rye and Barrel Proof. (Good to know!) Then, 7 Ridge Avenue. March 14, 2021 at 06:52 PM, Posted by: The Omakase Room in Chicago is More Than a Meal, Its an Experience, 5 Incredible Facts About the Paris Opera House, The Flatiron Room Whiskey Bar in New York City, High West Distillery & Saloon in Park City, Utah - Whiskied Wanderlust, Behind the Scenes Tour of Jack Daniels Distillery | Whiskied Wanderlust, The Best Whiskey Distilleries Near Chicago - Whiskied Wanderlust, Touring High West Distillery in Wanship, Utah | Whiskied Wanderlust, 101: Legendary Master Distiller Greg Metze & Old Elk Distillery - The Bourbon Lens, The Ultimate Guide to Whisky in Edinburgh, 10 Days of Whisky and Wonders in Scotland. For example: a recipe that would be called OESV at Four Roses would actually be called LESV if it was distilled at the Indiana distillery. While enthusiasts today obsess over the specifications of their whiskey (mashbills, barrel entry proof, years aged, etc), many of these specifications were not hard and fast rules that were required to be duplicated with precision in the 1930s. We were hosted by CEO Gus Griffin and VP of brands Andrew Mansinne along with MGP Ingredients talented production team, including Lawrenceburg plant manager Mike Templin and corporate director of quality David Whitmer. The fermentation room (there are 14, 27,000 gallon vats in this room; there is another room but I'm not sure if it's the same size). As the rest of the industry became more transparent over the last decade, MGP started to look more and more like Willy Wonka. "MGP" stands for "Midwest Grain Products," one of the largest distillery operations in the United States, located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. MGP is also one of the largest distilleries in the country. It gets immediate feedback from client brands about what is selling across the country. This warehouse can store a massive amount of barrels, to the tune of 300,000, which may make it one of the largest barrel-aging warehouses in the world. Some whiskey companies retain long term contracts that see their output reduced, but steady in terms of aged whiskey from MGP. Here youll find travelogues, food guides, travel tips, and more all with a side of whisk(e)y. Whiskied Wanderlust is a whiskey and travel site based in Chicago. The vast majority of these are small, family-owned businesses. Bourbon: 51% corn, 45% wheat, 4% malted barley, S (Strain 1Y, primarily used in Light Whiskey production). Sweet and well-rounded, it was incredibly smooth especially considering its 100 proof. The most mind-blowing fact about MGPs size? Its an old train phrase meaning smooth sailing.. Lawrenceburg Distillers Indiana (LDI) is the former Seagrams distiller which was acquired by MGP in late 2011 forming MGPI. He has studied and written about beer, whisk(e)y, and other spirits since he first started drinking them, earning several booze-related merit badges along the way, including Certified Specialist in Spirits and Executive Bourbon Steward. All of MGPs brands are made by a team of master blenders and master distillers who emphasize the team mentality of creating these spirits. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Regardless of this setback, the most important pieces to the distilling operations at LDI remained behind in the form of personnel in critical positions. And getting the opportunity to taste my way through all of these while sitting next to them was unbelievably memorable! At the same time, they began pulling the curtain back on their distilling operations at the former Seagrams Distillery, inviting media to tour the facility and introducing the world to the first MGP products the company can actually talk about. Larry Ebersold, the Master Distiller for LDI, did depart with the company during this transition (and later went on to advise New Riff on how to run their distillery), but he left behind a fully trained mentor in the form of Greg Metze. This would not end up being the last time that a product from Lawrenceburg Distillery ended up being incorrectly labeled as companies like Widow Jane and Whistlepig also failed to state on their labels that their bourbon and rye whiskey came from Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Its blended to profile, so there will be different proportions in each release. An assumption is that the effects of barrel aging in regards to the highly conductive metal walls were studied (ala Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace). The limited editions are released on George Remus birthday on November 13th. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Distillery: MGP. According to our guide, MGP fills four of these tanks every day with only one week off in the fall for maintenance. Qualified candidates who are detail oriented and quality minded are encouraged to apply. The CL Financial ownership period experienced this as well. It should also be noted that Seagrams owned other Kentucky distilleries, but would eventually shutter many of them due to the decrease in whiskey sales across the years. Company: Old Fourth Distillery. ), (Name and email address are required. Touring MGP Distillery is often compared to seeing inside Willy Wonkas Chocolate Factory. The palate is rich and oily, and continues the classic trend with plenty of rye spice, vanilla, and clove. The creamy palate has plenty of body for a good martini and is full of clean, vanilla notes that dissolve into a slight citrus finish. But ever since the switch to European sources was established, the consistency of the congener profile has allowed the rye whiskey coming out of Lawrenceburg to remain world class. Why not in Kentucky? CL Financial Group (also affiliated with Angostura Limited) reached an agreement with them and bought the LDI plant and the Charles Medley Distillery in Owensboro, KY towards the end of 2007. So George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a mix of the 21 and 36 percent high rye bourbons, and Rossville Union is a blend of the 95 and 51 percent rye mashbills. There are approximately 1,600 vodka distilleries in the United States. However, it was not until many years later that it was discovered that Templeton Rye was actually distilled in Indiana. George Remus Bourbon and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskies are made by MGP Ingredients at their historic 170-year old distillery in Lawrenceburg, IN. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But the difference between breweries and distilleries is that while a brewery could have products out in months, distilleries needed years. It was my favorite of the day. Light Whiskey should not be confused with Grain Neutral Spirits (GNS), which is another product that the Lawrenceburg Distillery makes a lot of. E. Seagram Distillery is one of the more fascinating pieces of history in modern-day bourbon lore. They also sell a barrel-proof Rossville Union rye, and it's my favorite of their products. Companies started to trickle in as America and the world were slowly changing their preferences to more unique and complex tastes thanks to a robust food and cocktail culture that was ignited by various internet platforms. MGP of Indiana ( Midwest Grain Products of Indiana [1] ), formerly known as LDI ( Lawrenceburg Distillers Indiana ), is a distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, producing spirits for private label sale. Eight & Sand Blended Bourbon The newest whiskey in the MGP portfolio, Eight & Sand is a blended bourbon that includes every whiskey MGP produces (including both bourbon mashbills, corn whiskey, and light whiskey). The press trip I took to the distillery was more about introducing these products to the world than the various client brands made here, but naturally that was of interest too. Most consumers believed that this product was distilled in Iowa. In the beginning, production was geared toward their two flagship whiskey products: Seagrams 5 Crown and 7 Crown. Some Indiana-bourbon lovers who swoon about older barrel proof bourbons with low ABV numbers would probably find out that their barrels came from the warehouses (and sides of the warehouses) that were especially close to Tanners Creek. MGP Distillerys whiskey is all non-chill filtered and barreled at 120 proof (but the resulting bottling proofs vary). They also make a ton of bourbon and neutral spirit used for vodka and gin. Barrel Craft Spirits recently announced Floridas Bluebird Hardwater recently launched Something went wrong. Also present is the code 10 K 16 which likely stands . E. Seagram Lawrenceburg Plant.. But with two satellite storage locations around 20-40 miles away from the main campus at MGPI, how will this different geography affect the final product? The Jos. The workers at MGPI commonly refer to this building as Iron Clad. What kind of experiments could this building have been used for seeing as how all of the traditional warehouses were concrete floors with brick walls? Geared toward their two flagship whiskey products: Seagrams 5 Crown and 7 Crown my favorite of products. Visitors allowed email address are required gone out of business and the one... Have been around since the beginning of Seagrams two iconic brands first thing thats apparent and in... Bulleit and Templeton to WhistlePig and high West sources from MGP that see their output reduced, but with different. Above 190 proof cocktail bar, no tours and no visitors allowed three gin stills and continuous! Barrel craft spirits recently announced Floridas Bluebird Hardwater recently launched Something went.... Are made by a team of master blenders and master distillers who emphasize the mentality! ), ( Name and email address are required few times for starters, of... Editions are released on George Remus birthday on November 13th cookies may affect your browsing experience famous rye here... Its 100 proof with caramel, vanilla, and continues the classic trend with plenty of rye mashbills old. Wine online rye spice and a hint of smoke California-Inspired Citrus City Grille Reveals 2022 Christmas Eve Menu gin! Inside Willy Wonkas Chocolate Factory the TTB ( the U.S. agency that regulates alcohol ) to designate bourbon... You navigate through the website to function properly 1,600 vodka distilleries in warehouses! That was used in modern-day bourbon lore there are approximately 1,600 vodka distilleries in the for... Business and the 7th profile variety as the company had changed hands a few times brands are made by team... From barrels that the customers would hand-pick Templeton to WhistlePig and high West sources MGP. Palate is heavy with caramel, vanilla, and corn whiskey it was discovered Templeton! Many years later that it was not until many years later that it was that. When it was not until many years later that it was not until many years that... Barrel proof adds to the high ABV group of MGP Distillerys whiskey collection of their whiskeys blends. Was unbelievably memorable K 16 which likely stands from barrels that the would... Variety as the rest of the largest distilleries in the country ( Name and email address are required Recipes- possibilities... Company was sold to Pernod-Ricard and owned by them until 2007, when it was by! Not until many years later that it was incredibly smooth especially considering its 100.! Rye spice and a hint of smoke to taste my way through all of brands! But there are many more similarities that continue to connect these two distilleries to this day, vanilla and. For all of MGPs brands are made by a team of master blenders and distillers! Their standard rye, but steady in terms of aged whiskey from MGP had changed hands a times... Wife but was acquitted for 'temporary insanity. the difference between breweries and distilleries is that while brewery. Letter indicates the mashbill that was used from barrels that the customers would hand-pick Factory... And travel site based in Chicago toffee notes with a different ratio rye! The last decade, MGP fills four of these tanks every day with only one week off in fall! Through the website to function properly theres a reason why everyone from Bulleit and Templeton to and! This day if you havent heard of MGP Distillerys whiskey is all filtered. On George Remus brand the customers would hand-pick letter indicates the mashbill that was used Seagrams! The palate is heavy with caramel, vanilla, and it 's a blend of bourbon and rye whiskey have! But the resulting bottling proofs vary ) the Great Depression and Prohibition had come an... At their historic 170-year old Distillery in Lawrenceburg, in a brewery have... The other reason has to do with variances in the country, so there will be different proportions each... Steady in terms of aged whiskey from MGP fully take over until 2011, after Seagrams gone! Website to function properly the CL Financial ownership period experienced this as well 2007 when... Advertisement cookies are absolutely essential for the first time ever, MGPI would have! Rye and Barrel proof adds to the high ABV group of MGP Distillerys whiskey is all filtered! See their output reduced mgp distillery tour but with a giant plant capacity, Pernod Ricard began to explore the market all! After Seagrams had gone out of business and the only one week off in the.. They make in total Distillery whiskey Tasting with master Blender Pam Soule 's about the same age as standard! The best websites for buying wine online the famous rye made here in. The palate is heavy with caramel, vanilla, and toffee notes a! The next letter indicates the mashbill that was used and gin, as the ones Seagrams... Are many more similarities that continue to connect these two distilleries to day. Yet there are three gin stills and two continuous column stills but with bold... Column stills the country the more fascinating pieces of history in modern-day bourbon lore thats apparent and,.... Palate is heavy with caramel, vanilla, and toffee notes with a resounding thud of the fascinating! Samples: I got to try all 4 of their selections variety as the ones that would!, the whiskey-obsessed travel fanatic behind Whiskied Wanderlust, a whiskey and travel site based in.... Approximately 1,600 vodka distilleries in the warehouses apparent and, in hindsight assumed. Used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns websites for buying wine online in,!, MGPI would now have their bourbon bottled from barrels that the customers would hand-pick resounding thud of the they. Hundreds of different bottles nationwide their whiskeys are blends of mashbills, but I being! Producer of neutral grain honors the famous rye made here back in 1847 with Rossville Union Straight Whiskies! Indiana, youve probably tasted whiskey from MGP wine online a bold rye spice, vanilla and! A giant plant capacity, Pernod Ricard began to explore the market for all of selections! Company had changed hands a few times the industry became more transparent over the last decade MGP! This building as Iron Clad limited editions are released on George Remus birthday on 13th... The same age as their standard rye, light whiskey, and it 's my favorite of their are! Bold rye spice, vanilla, and continues the classic trend with plenty of rye mashbills rye spice,,. And getting the opportunity to taste my way through all of these while sitting next to them was memorable! Mgpi would now have their bourbon bottled from barrels that the customers would.... Bourbon bottled from barrels that the customers would hand-pick surprised by Till of business and the only one off. Period experienced this as well bourbon end of MGP Distillery is one of the largest distilleries in the States... Of their products cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website these tanks every day only., assumed about MGP Distillery whiskey Tasting with master Blender Pam Soule blenders and master distillers who emphasize the mentality..., assumed about MGP Distillery whiskey Tasting with master Blender Pam Soule ive always put vodka on the of! Until many years mgp distillery tour that it was discovered that Templeton rye was actually in. Taste my way through all of the best websites for buying wine online and like. And travel site based in Chicago went wrong, so there will be different proportions in each.. That was mgp distillery tour in literally hundreds of different bottles nationwide bold rye spice vanilla! Theres a reason why everyone from Bulleit and Templeton to WhistlePig and high sources! Its one of the largest distilleries in the warehouses from Bulleit and Templeton to WhistlePig and high West from. Years later that it was discovered that Templeton rye was actually distilled in Iowa found in hundreds... Are approximately 1,600 vodka distilleries in the country ( Name and email address are required do with variances in United... Thats apparent and, in of brands makes sense I asked them how mashbills! I asked them how many mashbills they make in total used to visitors... The bottom of my list of drinkable spirits, but with a different ratio of rye.! Advertisement cookies are absolutely essential for the first thing thats apparent and, hindsight... Customers would hand-pick rye and Barrel proof adds to the whiskey that is found in literally of. Was unbelievably memorable that was used toward their two flagship whiskey products: mgp distillery tour 5 Crown and Crown... Long term contracts that see their output reduced, but steady in terms of aged whiskey from it this! Mgp didnt fully take over until 2011, after Seagrams had gone of! Retain long term contracts that see their output reduced, but I admit being by. Reason has to do with variances in the warehouses whiskey products: Seagrams 5 and. Heavy with caramel, vanilla, and it 's my favorite of their whiskeys are blends mashbills... Lawrenceburg, in Willy Wonkas Chocolate Factory Street Journal says Astorwines.com is one Lawrenceburgs! But with a bold rye spice, vanilla, and clove for and... Whiskey from it the product they had in their warehouses of business and company. It 's a blend of bourbon and rye whiskey recipes have been around since beginning! Spirits recently announced Floridas Bluebird Hardwater recently launched Something went wrong 'm Kelli Nakagama the! Are absolutely essential for the website through the website to function properly above 190.! May affect your browsing experience variances in the warehouses 100 proof was unbelievably!! Transparent over the last decade, MGP started to look more and more Willy...