MGP Continues its Direct to Consumer Trek with Launch of Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskeys

MGP - Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey Launch

A change in leadership at MGP Ingredients over the last several years has shifted part of the company’s strategy to launch its own branded products. In 2014 the company hired Gus Griffin as President and CEO. Griffin came to the company with nearly 30 years of experience in the beverage alcohol business. A large part of that was with Brown-Forman and brands like Jack Daniel and Southern Comfort. In 2016 the company hired Andrew Mansinne as Vice President of Brands. Another indication that the Lawrenceburg distillery, often referred to as the old Seagram’s Distillery, that got its start in 1847 was returning to its roots of not just making but of selling its own line of spirits. Over the last few years the company has launched George Remus Bourbon, Tanner’s Creek Bourbon Whiskey and TILL American Wheat Vodka brands. Distribution of these brands continues to expand across the U.S.

Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskeys

MGP - Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey

MGP has just announced the launch of not one but two new expressions of rye whiskey. Named after the founding distillery in Lawrenceburg, Rossville Union represents a historic return to the home of crafted rye whiskey and honors a spirited tradition that dates back more than 170 years in America’s original “Whiskey City.” Known as the “Masters of Rye,” the distillery team in Lawrenceburg brings generations of craftsmanship, heritage and passion to the making of the highest quality rye whiskey.

“With Rossville Union we deliver two unique, perfectly-balanced rye whiskeys that shows our distilling and blending expertise and character – at its boldest,” says Andrew Mansinne, Vice President of Brands, MGP Ingredients. “Rossville Union is crafted in the heart of rye whiskey country, in one of the most storied distilleries in the nation that has been in continuous production for almost two centuries.”

MGP Ingredients - Seagram's Distillery Fermentation Tanks, Lawrenceburg, IN — Fermentation Tanks at MGP Distillery in Lawrenceburg, IN. (Click to enlarge.)

The product launch includes Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey and Rossville Union Master Crafted Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey. The company says that in keeping with the historic legacy of the brand, the bottle design is a flask shape molded in an apothecary style with the Rossville Union name and “1847” distillery-of-origin date embossed into the glass. Both products are expertly blended from the extensive barrel reserves at MGP Ingredients, a distinction which is cited on the label with the number of “barrels used” in each release, notably 159 for Master Crafted and 83 barrels for Barrel Proof.

MGP says that, “Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey offers a balance of sweet oak with rye spice. Aged at least four years, this crafted rye delivers a sweet caramel nose, a fruit forward palate and a smoky, spicy body that finishes clean. At 94 proof, Rossville Union Master Crafted is perfect on the rocks or in cocktails. The singular craftsmanship of the Masters of Rye takes centerstage with Rossville Union Master Crafted Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey. Drawn from 83 of the distillery’s finest barrel reserves, Barrel Proof over-delivers with a spicy, vanilla nose, wood and caramel notes, and an exceptionally balanced oak and spice finish. Boldly bottled at 112.6 proof, Rossville Union Barrel Proof is a full, but balanced cask-strength rye whiskey experience, crafted to enjoy neat, on the rocks or with a splash of water.”

Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey is expected to retail for $39.99 per 750-ml bottle. Rossville Union Master Crafted Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey will retail for $69.99 per 750-ml bottle. Both products will launch in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin as of June 2018.

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