Historie

Jos. A. Magnus & Co. was founded in 1892 by Joseph A. Magnus and grew into an award-winning wholesale firm for high quality in the Louisville/Cincinnati area at a time when perfection and noble business conduct were essential quality criteria. Magnus built his reputation on exceptional quality and honest business practices and saw spirits as a means to good conversation, close friendship, and the exchange of friendly deeds. Production and marketing were driven by a vision to revive a sophisticated whisky culture through decades of experience and innovation. In 1918 production was halted due to Prohibition, and the history was laid to rest along with family memories.

In 2014, a 122-year-old Murray Hill Club Whisky was found by Magnus’s descendants and fueled the revival of the brand. Since then a series of milestones followed: reestablishment in Washington, DC in 2015; launch of Murray Hill Club in 2016; Private Barrel program in 2017; and in 2020 the company moved to Holland, Michigan to reconnect Joseph Magnus’s legacy along Lake Michigan.

Produktion / Fremstilling

The production at Jos. A. Magnus & Co. places emphasis on both tradition and craft. The bourbon is produced from a high-rye mash bill consisting of 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% malted barley, and it is aged for 10 years in Seguin Moreau casks. A portion of the process uses a triple cask finish (Oloroso Sherry, Pedro Ximénez and Cognac casks) to bring complexity and depth to a range of releases. Master Blender Nancy Fraley leads the finish procedures in continuing to approach the original profile.

In the Private Cask program, the Head Blender selects a single cask, where the bourbon is often unblended and bottled at cask strength. These cask-strength expressions are typically bottled in 150–180 bottles per cask release and personalized with the buyer's own name. The program takes place in Jos. A. Magnus Co.'s hall and headquarters in Holland, Michigan.

In addition, the brand's spirits portfolio combines bourbon and gin, with Murray Hill Club, Cigar Blend Bourbon and Joseph Magnus Bourbon as popular bourbon variants, and the Vigilant series as Magnus's gin pledge with District Dry and Navy Strength variants. It is also noted that Murray Hill Club Special Release Batch #4 is aged in Calvados casks for 8 and 17 years and is an example of the different finishes used in the brand's portfolio.

Produkter / Whisky-serien

Murray Hill Club

Flagship bourbon, described as a blend of older bourbons and a more youthful whiskey component. Part of the family history and a central reference in the brand's identity.

Joseph Magnus Bourbon

Bourbon, described as an amalgamation of straight bourbon finished in sherry cognac casks to add complexity and rounded notes.

Cigar Blend Bourbon

Artful blend designed to be enjoyed with an exquisite cigar, as part of Magnus's aesthetic around socializing and refined ambiance.

Murray Hill Club Special Release Batch #4

Special release bourbon consisting of a blend of 8- and 17-year-old bourbons, finished in Calvados casks from Normandy. Alcohol by volume 55.5% (111 proof). Aroma and flavor described as complex and lingering with notes of apples and spices.

Private Barrel Program (Private Cask)

An exclusive single-cask expression from a private stock of 10-year bourbon bottled at cask strength and privately named. Only a limited number of casks remain; each chosen to deliver a unique story and bottle experience with a focus on heritage and quality. 10-year bourbon aged in Seguin Moreau casks and bottled at 150–180 bottles per cask release. The program is led by the Head Blender and gives customers the opportunity to own a unique, personal whiskey experience.

Vigilant gin-series

Vigilant District Dry Gin and Vigilant Navy Strength Gin are part of the brand's spirits lineup and show that the brand also operates in the gin category with a focused approach to classic cocktails.

Besøg / Oplevelser

Private Cask Experience

Go behind the scenes in Holland, Michigan, and select an exclusive, single-cask expression from our private stock at ten years. The cellar provides the setting, and the process is led by the Head Blender, who guides you through the selection and bottling at cask strength, with the bottle count around 150–180 and the name can be customized. The experience is more than just a bottle – it is a connection to the soul of Joseph Magnus's heritage and craftsmanship.

Filosofi

Magnus's philosophy around spirits was more than just taste; he saw spirits as a tool to foster good conversation, close friendship, and the exchange of friendly deeds and pleasant thoughts. Well-imbued in the company's history and in the products that carry forward this heritage.