Search
Close this search box.

I.W. Harper Bourbon Officially Returns To American Bourbon Land

Diageo IW HarperBack in early March rumors started floating around online of the pending return to American bourbon land of a long storied American bourbon label. I.W. Harper, owned by spirits giant Diageo, has been around for quite a few years, but departed our shores as the popularity of brown spirits and the demand for high-quality whiskeys in Asia surged during the 1990s. It has now been officially confirmed as returning, with plans calling for two bottlings domestically.

Here is the exact information on what’s what, direct from Diageo:

I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Limited Edition I.W. Harper 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey were both inspired by the original I.W. Harper variants.  I.W. Harper 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was distilled at the Bernheim Distillery, historically located at 17th and Breckinridge in Louisville, KY, while owned and operated by United Distillers. I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey mingles whiskey also distilled at the Bernheim Distillery during this time with other fine whiskeys. Both bourbons have been aged, most recently, at the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery and are hand bottled in Tullahoma, Tenn.

I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (82 proof, 41% ABV) delights discerning whiskey lovers with initial hints of creamy vanilla flavor coupled with bursts of oak and spice.  These flavor notes are followed by a subtle fruitiness and end with a sweet, pleasant finish. The whiskey will be available for a suggested retail price of $34.99 (750 mL).

Limited Edition I.W. Harper 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (86 proof, 43% ABV) is sweeter on the front palate with hints of oak, dried fruit and caramel.  A distinct spice appears on the back palate for a long and lasting finish. The limited time offering will carry a suggested retail price of $74.99 (750 mL).

The brand will remain for sales overseas as well, Diageo added, and while the “taste profiles are similar, the liquid makeup of the new releases vary from the offerings currently available in Japan, as well as the whiskeys that were previously sold in the U.S.”

My guess would be the regular offering, which is already on sale, will see good sales, while the 15 year old bottling will likely become a highly sought after release much like Diageo’s Orphan Barrel series. I therefore suggest that if you come across a bottle of the 15 at the around $75 price point you grab a couple before they disappear into the secondary market for many times that amount.

Watch tomorrow here at The Whiskey Wash for tasting notes and more information from a I.W. Harper tasting we recently got to attend in Portland, Oregon, where we are located.

Search
  • Latest News
  • Latest Reviews