Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Diageo. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Bernheim Bros. opened its doors in 1870 and thrived even through Prohibition. According to Wikipedia, “Bernheim Brothers was one of only ten distilleries allowed to continue to make bourbon, as they had received a license to produce it for medicinal purposes.” In 1937, after Prohibition ended, Bernheim sold the business to the Schenley Distilling Corporation.
Shortly after Bernheim Bros. existed, I.W. Harper was born in 1872. The I.W. Harper name most likely came from the founder Isaac Wolfe Bernheim. The surname “Harper” was chosen for marketability since Isaac immigrated from Germany in 1867.
Isaac Wolfe Bernheim was a bit of a philanthropist in the U.S. and Germany. Possibly his biggest contribution was twenty five miles south of Louisville. He purchased 14,000 acres and established the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest which opened in 1950. It is the largest privately owned nature space in the state. It is held in trust but given to the people of Kentucky by Bernheim. Isaac, his first wife, and several other family members are buried in the forest.
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Outside of the Bernheim Forest, Isaac also contributed heavily to the Jewish community. He also contributed to many cities including Cincinnati, New York City, Washington DC, and Louisville. When he returned to his hometown, Schmieheim, Germany, he made a large donation so they could install the first plumbing system. This gave the town running water for the first time in the early 20th century. He also built a home for children and one for the elderly.
Tasting Notes: I.W. Harper 15-Year-Old
Vital stats: Aged 15 years. Mash bill: 86% corn, 6% rye, 8% malted barley. 86 proof. I.W. Harper Distilling Company/Diageo, Tullahoma, Tennessee. Retails for around $100.
Appearance: Mahogany in color. Great square shaped bottle that’s easy to recognize on any shelf.
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Nose: The aroma is very clean and pleasant. I detect notes of dried pine needles, dark chocolate and cinnamon. There’s just a hint of resin and prune.
Palate: The palate is consistent with the nose which I very much enjoyed. There are warming spices of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and clove with toasted grain and eucalyptus. It’s very buttery. A bit warm at first but it is smooth and pleasant.
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