Guess who is back? For those who love a good whiskey you will be happy to hear that the I.W. Harper is coming home to the United States after nearly 20 years abroad with the release of two new Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys inspired by the brand’s historic past. Whiskey fans can look out this spring for I.W. Harper.

Back in 1867, German immigrant Isaac Wolfe (I.W.) Bernheim arrived in America with little more than four dollars in his pocket. Within 12 short years he co-founded Bernheim Brothers, where he began producing a whiskey known as I.W. Harper. The whiskey won its first gold medal in 1885 and continued to gain adorers across the country and around the world throughout the twentieth century.

As the popularity of brown spirits and the demand for high-quality whiskeys in Asia surged during the 1990’s, I.W. Harper’s focus transitioned overseas and the brand ceased distribution in the United States.

Now fast forward to 20 years the brand will release two new whiskeys nationwide.  I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Limited Edition I.W. Harper 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey were both inspired by the original I.W. Harper variants.  I.W. Harper 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was distilled at the Bernheim Distillery, historically located at 17th and Breckinridge in Louisville, KY, while owned and operated by United Distillers. I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey mingles whiskey also distilled at the Bernheim Distillery during this time with other fine whiskeys. Both bourbons have been aged, most recently, at the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery and are hand bottled in Tullahoma, Tenn.

I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (82 proof, 41% ABV) delights discerning whiskey lovers with initial hints of creamy vanilla flavor coupled with bursts of oak and spice.  These flavor notes are followed by a subtle fruitiness and end with a sweet, pleasant finish. The whiskey will be available for a suggested retail price of $34.99 (750 mL).

Limited Edition I.W. Harper 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (86 proof, 43% ABV) is sweeter on the front palate with hints of oak, dried fruit and caramel.  A distinct spice appears on the back palate for a long and lasting finish. The limited time offering will carry a suggested retail price of $74.99 (750 mL).

You can enjoy I.W. Harper neat, on the rocks or as the key ingredient in a classic bourbon cocktail, such as a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.