Ali Anderson for Jos A. Magnus & Co. Shares the Brand’s Incredible Story

Imagine finding a few dusty bottles of bourbon over a hundred and twenty years old in your family’s possessions. You may wonder how the bottles could have survived intact after more than a century, and even more importantly, would the bourbon be drinkable? Spoiler alert, the answer in our tale was yes.

The modern story of Joseph A. Magnus & Co. begins with such a discovery in 2007. The original Joseph A. Magnus, a wholesaler, and producer of spirits in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was a successful and well-respected businessman in his time. Still, his story had long faded into history, and even his family only knew vaguely about his life and work. Then, Magnus’s great-grandson Jimmy Turner discovered the aged bottles and set off to learn who his ancestor was. This led to uncovering a remarkable life and collection of whiskeys seemingly lost to time due to the arrival of Prohibition.

We asked Ali Anderson, National Sales Manager for Jos A. Magnus & Co. to share the brand’s incredible story.

Tell us a bit about the history of the brand- the highlights.

Joseph A Magnus is a high-end bourbon brand with a remarkable history dating back to the middle of the nineteenth century. Joseph A Magnus himself was a savvy businessman who built up a liquor empire based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, priding himself not only on the quality and age of his spirits, but also on intelligent and honorable business methods. The brand became known for its delicious flavor, incomparable bouquet, mellowness, and purity. In 1918, the arrival of National Prohibition caused Magnus to pause his whiskey production and sales, and the story of his success began to fade into legend. However, nearly a century later, a few carefully preserved bottles of 122-year-old Murray Hill Club Whiskey were discovered by one of Magnus’ great-grandsons. Using the same blending and finishing techniques Joseph Magnus employed over 100 years ago, Magnus Master Blender, Nancy Fraley, finishes 12-year-old bourbon in a triple cask finishing process using Oloroso Sherry, Pedro Ximénez, and Cognac casks to come as close as possible to the original Joseph Magnus Bourbon in that 122-year-old bottle. Today, Joseph A Magnus is a highly acclaimed bourbon brand still heralded as one of the most remarkable spirits for the most remarkable people.

 

Talk to us about something most people would not know about the story of the brand.

During the prohibition era in the United States, Magnus had to halt his whiskey production and sales, as it was illegal. However, he continued to enjoy fine spirits and even hosted secret tastings for friends and family at his home. His dedication to the craft of whiskey-making did not waver, and he eagerly shared his knowledge and expertise with his loved ones, passing down the secrets of his process. This dedication to the craft, even during a time when it was illegal, speaks to the passion and commitment that has been at the heart of the Joseph Magnus brand since its inception.

 

What is most important for bartenders to know about the brand?

Joseph A Magnus bourbons are produced using a unique triple cask finishing process, which involves aging the bourbon in three different casks – Oloroso Sherry, Pedro Ximénez, and Cognac. This process imparts distinctive flavor and complexity to the bourbon, making it stand out from other bourbons in the market. Joseph A Magnus is a high-end bourbon brand with a remarkable history dating back to the young, war-torn America of the middle nineteenth century, producing highly acclaimed whiskies which are enjoyed by people of discriminating taste even after more than 130 years since its founding.

 

Talk to us about the distillation methods- what sets it apart?

The distillation methods employed by Joseph A Magnus are highly precise and involve a triple cask finishing process, which includes using Oloroso Sherry, Pedro Ximénez, and Cognac casks to give the bourbon its unique flavor profile and remarkable smoothness. Today, the bourbon is aged to maturity and blended by the Master Blenders, Will Fabry and Nancy Fraley, who use the same techniques that Joseph Magnus himself used over a century ago, resulting in a truly exceptional and highly sought-after bourbon.

 

How could a bartender describe the brand to a guest in 2 sentences or less.

Joseph A. Magnus Bourbon is a triple-cask finished 12-year-old bourbon with a rich history dating back to the 19th century, known for its exceptional taste and quality.

 

What are bartenders doing with the brand’s whiskies?

For most, bartenders are offering straight pours of our Magnus whiskies- Murray Hill Club, Cigar Blend, and Magnus bourbon. Neat or with a large rock. For others, they’re making high end cocktails with the Magnus bourbon. Recipes for these cocktails included below.

Talk to us about being a “particular brand for particular people.”

The idea of being a particular brand for particular people implies a focus on quality and exclusivity, catering to those with refined tastes and a discerning palate. Joseph Magnus Bourbon embodies this concept through its meticulous production process, use of premium ingredients, and attention to detail in aging and finishing techniques, resulting in a distinct flavor profile that appeals to whiskey connoisseurs.

Scofflaw

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1 oz dry vermouth
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• 1 to 2 dashes grenadine
• 1 dash orange bitters

Preparation: Combine Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey, dry vermouth, lemon juice, grenadine, and orange bitters in a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

 

Ginger Julep

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz Joseph Magnus Bourbon
• 8 mint leaves
• ¼ oz simple syrup
• ½” knob of ginger
• Mint stalk, garnish

Preparation: In a shaker tin, add mint leaves, simple syrup and ginger knob, and muddle. Add Joseph Magnus Bourbon and ice and stir vigorously. Strain mixture into a julep tin with crushed ice and garnish with mint stalk.

 

Magnus’ Daiquiri

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1 oz lime juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• Lime wheel (for garnish)

Preparation: In a shaker tin with ice add all ingredients and combine. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lime wheel.