1996 Van Winkle Family Reserve 17 Year

Bottled in Bond – Distilled in 1921 and bottled in 1933, this rye whiskey was distilled and protected in bond by the American Medicinal Spirits Company from the Prohibition Act of 1920, which made alcohol production and consumption illegal. The Mount Vernon brand was produced at the Gwynnbrook Distillery in Maryland. The American Medicinal Spirits Company was one of only around 30 distilling companies to survive Prohibition of the 434 that existed prior. Exploiting the medicinal loophole was the brainchild of Otto Wathen, an idea which continues to prove its value today in the persisting image of his still ever-popular portfolio, which included Old Grand-dad and Hill & Hill. The American Medicinal Spirits Company would go on to become National Distillers following the repeal of the Prohibition laws, and Mount Vernon continued as one of the key products in their portfolio.