Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Bourbon Whiskey

Joseph Magnus was a tough man- an incessant businessman who worked tireless to develop his brand. He discovered a niche for wholesale liquor, and by the age of 26 had built a liquor empire. Magnus prided himself not only on the quality and age of his spirits, but on intelligent and honorable business methods.

The drinkers of Murray Hill Club Whiskey were, in accordance with Joseph’s vision, people of discriminating taste and mature judgment. Magnus actively introduced his whiskey into the leading bars, hotels, cafes, and groceries of his day. Local newspapers were peppered with advertisements for this new whiskey, which quickly earned great acclaim. He encouraged readers to sample just a taste, for “give this whiskey a trial once, and you’ll take no other brand.”

All these years later, Joseph Magnus is still a very big time name in the whiskey world. Bourbon people go nuts for it. For my money, the Murray Hill Club Bourbon is the most interesting one in the lot, a skillful blend that marries 18 and 11-year-old bourbon with 9-year-old light whiskey. It boasts rich notes of toasted oak, vanilla, butterscotch, honey and toffee with dried fruits, nutmeg and a peppery, spicy finish. This one was bottled at 103 Proof. Just a handful of bottles are up for grabs.