Harrison Preisdential Reserve

[Bourbon Boiler]

This is the third release from LDI via Tipton Spirits. Reviews of the first two products were generally negative ...

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?14704-Indiana-Straight-Bourbon-Whiskey

Has anyone tried this one?

http://www.harrisonbourbon.com/grouseland.html

At 16 years, it might be worth a try if it is reasonably affordable. (Reasonable = the price they charge for the Governor's Reserve)

[MyOldKyDram]

That Grouseland is in the $120+ range, i believe. Saw it in Terra Haute over Christmas. Left it right there.

[Bourbon Boiler]

Well, at $120 I'm content to never know how it tastes.

[HighHorse]

They got the wrong Harrison IMO. Benjamin Harrison's home on the banks of the James River between Richmond and Williamsburg was purported to be the locale of the first distillary on these shores. This was according to the late proprietor, Malcolm Jamieson, who in the mid 70's told me many a tale of the old Berkeley Plantation as we shared an ice cold bottle of Gin under the oaks overlooking the river. If it's true .. and I'll chase down the source in a book Mac gave me .. then a bourbon honoring Berkeley might just get me to part with that kind of money!

[squire]

Sorry, couldn't post until I quit laughing.

[HighInTheMtns]

They got the wrong Harrison IMO. Benjamin Harrison's home on the banks of the James River between Richmond and Williamsburg was purported to be the locale of the first distillary on these shores. This was according to the late proprietor, Malcolm Jamieson, who in the mid 70's told me many a tale of the old Berkeley Plantation as we shared an ice cold bottle of Gin under the oaks overlooking the river. If it's true .. and I'll chase down the source in a book Mac gave me .. then a bourbon honoring Berkeley might just get me to part with that kind of money!

That family produced at least half a dozen Benjamin Harrisons. Both Presidents Harrison were born much too recently to have been involved in the first distillery in the area, but their ancestors were some of the first to colonize Virginia, and as large land owners it is very likely they were distilling. W.H. Harrison was born in that part of Virginia but Benjamin (the one who was President) was not a Virginian. Both of them have plenty of Indiana connections which seems to be what the bottler of this brand was looking for.

Edited February 18, 2013 by HighInTheMtns

[HighHorse]

That family produced at least half a dozen Benjamin Harrisons. Both Presidents Harrison were born much too recently to have been involved in the first distillery in the area, but their ancestors were some of the first to colonize Virginia, and as large land owners it is very likely they were distilling.

I have no doubt that you are correct, Jim. Mac Jamieson claimed the plantation - Berkeley - was the first to distill .. and I'm almost sure he said bourbon. I do have the book on Berkeley at home and will refer to it for what they actually claim. Also note that these discussions were usually in a happy state of mind. Berkeley dates back to 1619 and Charles Dowdy put much of the history to print prior to his passing.

[HighHorse]

With apologies for busting the thread .. Here’s the scoop on the first distillery: Legend has it that the spirit that is now called bourbon was first distilled by George Thorpe, an Episcopal priest, in Virginia in 1621. (Louisville MetroMix) & from Wikipedia Berkeley Plantation: The first bourbon whiskey distilled: 1621, by George Thorpe, an Episcopal priest.

Also .. as for the Harrison’s, both Benjamin – the signer of the Declaration of Independence and W.Henry – the President, were born at Berkeley .. or, Harrison’s Landing as it was known. So … I’ll plant my bid for a bottle from … da dum … Virginia! How about Old Berkeley 100?

[cowdery]

Bourbon has about as many origin myths as, well, the earth. Berkeley Plantation is one of the weak ones. Basically, anybody in the South who can claim distilling claims bourbon.

As for the Harrison whiskey, which is MGPI Indiana whiskey, I'm wondering if anyone has tasted multiple MGPI Indiana bourbons and what you think? There are probably ten out there right now, maybe more. The bourbons are less well known than the ryes and there are two different mash bills, one that's about 20% rye and one that's about 37% rye, if I remember correctly. The producers don't all tell you which mash bill they used. A lot of the MGPI Indiana bourbon is finished in some way, such as in beer barrels or wine casks.

Edited February 18, 2013 by cowdery