In the picturesque town of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, a noteworthy gathering took place in the month of June. The event served as a commemoration for the introduction of a novel and promising brand into the world of whiskey: the Mary Dowling Whiskey Co.
Fast forward two months, and the brand officially revealed its presence to the global audience on Tuesday August 15th.
This newly unveiled entity, Mary Dowling Whiskey Co., draws its inspiration from the captivating narrative of Mary Dowling, a trailblazing figure and pioneer in the realm of bourbon. Behind this enterprise stands Kaveh Zamanian, the visionary mind behind Rabbit Hole Distillery, who, while speaking at the Lawrenceburg gathering, disclosed that the inception of the Mary Dowling project spanned a considerable two-year period prior to its realization. Zamanian's collaborative effort with the renowned spirits powerhouse, Pernod Ricard, culminated in the launch of the much-anticipated Mary Dowling brand.
Zamanian recounted the pivotal moment when he stumbled upon the story of Mary Dowling, whom the brand reveres as "The Mother of Bourbon," around eleven years ago, during his nascent days in the bourbon industry.
"At the outset, my findings were rather scant: merely a glimpse into the life of an extraordinary individual whose narrative had been relegated to obscurity and disregard within the annals of history," Zamanian reflected. "I share this with you because it felt akin to stumbling upon an archaeological gem. Her story resonated deeply with me, and the more I delved into her history, the more astounded I became that such a remarkable figure had remained in obscurity, devoid of recognition and celebration."
With the seasoned leadership of Zamanian and the robust backing of Pernod Ricard, Mary Dowling Whiskey Co. possesses a comprehensive arsenal to establish itself as a formidable contender within the Kentucky bourbon landscape.
Stepping onto the stage with grandeur, Mary Dowling Whiskey Co. unveils a pair of Kentucky straight bourbons. These exceptional creations are readily available for discerning enthusiasts at select retail outlets spanning regions including Kentucky, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Texas, Illinois, Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, and Louisiana.
About The Mary Dowling Bourbons
Mary Dowling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Tequila Barrels
Crafted from a meticulously composed mashbill of 70% corn, 25% rye, and 5% malted barley, this high-rye bourbon mirrors Mary Dowling's original recipes with striking resemblance, as affirmed by Zamanian. A nod to Dowling's ingenious strategies surfaces in the deliberate choice made by Zamanian and his associates, who, in a tribute to her resourcefulness, concluded the bourbon's maturation in Appalachian American Oak tequila casks. This artful maneuver echoes Dowling's historical acumen when, confronted by the ramifications of Prohibition on her whiskey production and sales in the United States, she ingeniously established a distillery in Mexico.
Elegantly bottled at a robust 93 proof, this whiskey emerges as a source of pleasure, delight, and notable complexity, albeit with a faint suggestion of youthful exuberance in its taste profile. Positioned at a retail price of $75, it beckons enthusiasts with its multifaceted character. Our initial sensory impressions from the unveiling event paint a vivid picture:
Aroma: The fragrance is an interplay of graham cracker nuances intertwined with an abundance of zesty citrus notes and luscious fruits. The discernible influence of agave imparts an element of spirited enjoyment. Lemon, lime, melon, honey, hazelnut, blueberry muffins, and a gentle underpinning of supple oak converge harmoniously. Hints of brown sugar, soft oak, orange sherbet, and velvety sweet cream further enrich this olfactory tapestry.
Palate: With a texture ranging from delicate to moderately substantial, the palate reveals layers of indulgence. Notes of fudge interlace with the charm of caramelized corn and the tantalizing burst of blueberries. A youthful warmth emerges, infusing the taste experience with a spirited vitality.
Finish: Of moderate duration, the finish unfurls with the continuation of opulence. The culmination resonates with echoes of decadent fudge and the comforting essence of velvety vanilla ice cream.
Mary Dowling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Toasted Double Oak Barrel
Packaged elegantly at a robust cask-strength of 107 proof, this exquisite wheated bourbon undergoes a unique double-oaked maturation process within both Char #3 and Char #1 virgin oak barrels. Having its origins in a precisely calculated mashbill blending 65% corn, 25% wheat, and 10% malted barley, this expression ascends to a realm of superiority within the lineup, even as its tequila-finished counterpart boasts its own merits. With a price tag set at $130, this offering beckons discerning aficionados to partake in its opulent character. Our initial impressions, as captured during the tasting event, compose a vivid sensory portrait:
Aroma: Emanating an aura of confectionery delights, the fragrance dances along the lines of sweetness and dessert indulgence. The olfactory journey unfolds with intricate layers of custard, opulent butterscotch, toasted graham cracker, and the subtle allure of toasted marshmallows. Hints of intoxicating vanilla, the alluring embrace of salted caramel, and the ethereal sensation of peaches and cream contribute to this aromatic symphony. Notably, a subtle yet captivating hint of savory bacon fat graces the background, adding a touch of complexity.
Palate: The whiskey envelops the palate with a luxurious viscosity, evoking sensations of lavishness. The prominent oak presence interplays with a spirited warmth and a pronounced tannic essence. A harmonious intermingling of fruit and dessert elements takes center stage. The taste experience unfolds with the nuanced interplay of succulent blackberries and raspberries, juxtaposed against the inviting nuances of toffee and the transformative influence of barrel char.
Finish: A protracted denouement gracefully unfurls, leaving an enduring impression. The finish resonates with the melting essence of butter, the evocative nostalgia of toasted marshmallows, and the zesty charm of lemon curd. A delicate zest of orange peel weaves its way into the medley, complemented by the comforting nuances of sweet brown sugar.
Who Was Mary Dowling: The Story
Mary Dowling, a remarkable and often overlooked figure in the history of bourbon, lived a life that left an indelible mark on the world of spirits. Born in an era when women's roles were restricted, Mary's journey was characterized by resilience, innovation, and a passion for her craft. Her story unfolds as a narrative of determination, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations.
Born in the heart of bourbon country, Mary Dowling was raised in the rich cultural landscape of Kentucky during the 19th century. With an innate curiosity and an eagerness to challenge societal norms, Mary embarked on a path that would redefine the industry. Against the backdrop of a predominantly male-dominated field, she began her foray into the world of distillation, guided by an unwavering passion for the art of crafting exceptional bourbon.
Through her tireless efforts and innovative techniques, Mary not only refined the process of bourbon-making but also introduced groundbreaking ideas that set new standards for quality. Her dedication to perfection, combined with her meticulous attention to detail, elevated her creations to a level of excellence previously unattained.
As her reputation grew, Mary Dowling's bourbons gained recognition not only for their exquisite taste but also for the revolutionary spirit that they embodied. Her ability to blend tradition with innovation resonated with bourbon enthusiasts far and wide, garnering a dedicated following that appreciated her commitment to pushing boundaries.
Despite facing significant challenges and skepticism from within the industry, Mary's perseverance and belief in her craft propelled her forward. She navigated the complexities of a male-centric profession with grace and tenacity, challenging conventions and shattering glass ceilings along the way. Her impact extended beyond her craft, inspiring other women to step into unconventional roles and leave their mark on traditionally male-dominated fields.
Mary Dowling's legacy as "The Mother of Bourbon" began to take shape as her bourbons earned accolades and a devoted fan base. However, it wasn't until much later that her story gained the attention it deserved. Decades after her time, Kaveh Zamanian, the visionary founder of Rabbit Hole Distillery, stumbled upon her history, recognizing the buried treasure that was her legacy. Determined to honor her contributions, Zamanian partnered with spirits giant Pernod Ricard to establish the Mary Dowling Whiskey Co.
With the launch of Mary Dowling Whiskey Co., the narrative of this pioneering woman comes full circle. Her story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Mary Dowling's journey reminds us that history often hides unsung heroes whose remarkable achievements deserve recognition, celebration, and a lasting place in the annals of time.
