MGP Launches Grain Neutral Spirits Distilled from Wheat

18 Oct 2013 --- In response to growing customer interest and as part of increased distillery product development initiatives, MGP has added grain neutral spirits (GNS) distilled from wheat to its portfolio of world-class beverage alcohol offerings.

“We are very excited to announce the introduction of this superb, high quality product to the marketplace,” said David Dykstra, vice president of alcohol sales and marketing. “Not only does it expand the scope and variety of premium spirits MGP is able to provide, but it also demonstrates our commitment to proactively address the evolving needs and requests of our customers.”

Dykstra described the new GNS product as having “an exceptionally smooth taste, pleasant mouth feel and very neutral odor.” He added that production of this latest extension to the company’s string of beverage alcohol innovations was launched at MGP’s Atchison, Kan., distillery in August and samples “have received outstanding reviews.”

MGP is a long-time expert in wheat, as well as other areas of grain science, and “has used this knowledge of wheat’s distinct properties and qualities to apply to our distillery operations on a noteworthy scale for the first time in the company’s history,” according to Dykstra. “For our customer partners, our new GNS product provides yet another excellent choice for differentiating or expanding their branded products in the market,” he added.

Based on initial results and feedback, “we currently are exploring possibilities for developing future line extensions distilled from wheat, while simultaneously continuing efforts to increase our offerings of beverage alcohol products derived from corn, rye and other grain sources,” Dykstra said.

This past spring, MGP announced the development of six additional mash bills for the production of new rye, malt and wheat whiskeys, as well as new bourbons, at the company’s Lawrenceburg, Ind., facility. These additions include the following: two new rye whiskeys, one made from 51% rye and 49% barley malt, and the other made with 51% rye, 45% corn and 4% barley malt; a 95% wheat whiskey; a 100% barley malt whiskey; and two bourbons, one produced with 45% wheat, and the other produced with 49% barley malt.

“The development of all of these products reflects the continuation of MGP’s legacy as a leading innovator in the distilled spirits industry,” Dykstra said. “This legacy is built on our strong and genuine desire to satisfy a growing and diversified mix of customer needs, resulting in our ability to provide those we serve with a wider, more distinctive selection of world-class beverage alcohol options.”