Jos. A. Magnus & Co., a New Bourbon and Gin Distillery in Washington, D.C., Celebrates Grand Opening

The event will mark the relaunch of a historic brand created by Joseph Magnus, a pre-prohibition distiller, blender, and rectifier. The relaunch was inspired by the discovery of a 100-plus years old bottle of original Joseph Magnus bourbon and his great-grandson’s journey to bring back that bourbon.

The Magnus team of bourbon and gin experts, including Dave Scheurich, former Woodford Reserve Distiller and Whiskey Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Nancy “the Nose” Fraley, Director of Research for American Distilling Institute and the nation’s top whiskey blender, Richard Wolf, former Chairman of the Kentucky Distillers Association and VP General Manager at Buffalo Trace, Nicole Hassoun, formerly of DC’s Gin Joint and founder of Chronic Tonic, and Brett Thompson, CEO of local Pork Barrel BBQ and Shark Tank participant, will unveil special Inaugural Edition bottles of their first products:

 

Joseph Magnus Bourbon, inspired by the analysis of the original 100-plus years old Magnus bourbon, is a marriage of bourbon aged in white oak and finished in Oloroso Sherry, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, and Cognac casks — a process called “triple-cask finishing.” Joseph Magnus Bourbon will be bottled at a stout 100 proof.

Vigilant Gin was inspired by their quest to make the perfect cocktail gin — a London style dry gin, showcasing hand-foragedOregon juniper berries, bright citrus, and balanced herbs.

Jos. A. Magnus & Co. offered pre-sales of both the Joseph Magnus Bourbon ($92 a bottle/sold out) and their new Vigilant Gin ($32 a bottle/available at distillery) and sold out within a day of their initial 500 bottles of bourbon. However, the distillery’s cocktail lounge, the Murray Hill Club, has its own special supply for visitors wanting to purchase a glass of the bourbon. Bottles of Vigilant Gin are available for purchase at the distillery.

 

“We are honored to be the newest addition to the local distilling and brewing community in Ivy City, and grateful to the customers who caused our bourbon to sell out before we even opened our distillery doors.” said Brett Thompson, Magnus Master Distiller. “Folks interested in trying the bourbon can visit our cocktail lounge, the Murray Hill Club, and order up a glass from our special supply or enjoy one of Nicole Hassoun’s custom gin cocktails.”

 

The Magnus Distillery will be open to the public on Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. and then on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.