Old Medley Brands

[cowdery]

Back in 1990, I worked on a project for Glenmore that was a merchandising manual for their entire line. They had recently absorbed Medley which had itself absorbed Fleischmann's and their sales people needed some guidance about how to merchandise (i.e., position at retail) all of their various brands.

For small companies, Glenmore, Medley and Fleischmann's had an enormous number of what in the industry are called "cats and dogs," which are basically small, regional brands.

Here are pictures of a few of them. Mellow Mash was a Yellowstone variation, and an existing Glenmore brand. I believe Bourbon Supreme was also Glenmore. The rest (along with Ezra Brooks) came over from Medley.

If you think this is bad, you should see all of the crazy blends they had.

[TNbourbon]

Oh, to find a row of Mellow Mash like that on a shelf! My single-discovery of this $15 whiskey might be my most exciting -- I'd looked for months!

[cowdery]

Those photographs were staged for purposes of the project. Even then, two facings of Mellow Mash was probably wishful thinking. But I hear you. It was definitely Glenmore's "signature" whiskey, in the sense that at least in Buddy Thompson's (the owner's) opinion it was the best whiskey they made.

I am told that Buddy has a large stash of it that he retained for his personal use.

[BourbonJoe]

I am told that Buddy has a large stash of it that he retained for his personal use.

What's his phone number?

Joe :usflag:

[bobbyc]

at least in Buddy Thompson's (the owner's) opinion it was the best whiskey they made

It trumps many bourbons, in my opinion, to this day. I'm proud of the few bottles I have bunkered away.

[Gillman]

Yes and apropos our discussion on distillation, I recall Bobby explaining earlier that mellow mash (the term) referred to some feature of the Glenmore still which further purified this Yellowstone. Probably it was additional reflux (the condensing and return to the column of the distillate which enriches the vapors coming up the tower from new mash being boiled). Yet, Yellowstone Mellow Mash is fat and rich in taste (fruity, too) - one would think a higher purity would make it thinner and blander than other bourbons. There are mysteries in distillation yet unsolved ... but my guess is the removal of certain congeners makes the spirit less sharp or "chemical sharp" if you see what I mean. Even some vodkas seem full in taste and almost sweet despite (or because of?) their pronounced rectification. Whatever the explanation that was some whiskey, Mellow Mash.

Gary