When you talk about a roller-coaster history, Four Roses is the poster child brand. In today's episode, we'll relive the glory years of Four Roses in the post-World War II era, when Madison Avenue carved out a Four Roses lifestyle. Then, I'll dig into how Seagram's took the brand from straight Bourbon blend to "Premium Light Whiskey." Then, I'll be joined by Four Roses legendary Brand Ambassador Al Young, as we watch the grand return of the brand, with a few surprises along the way.

Enjoy this fascinating conclusion to this three-part series covering the history of Four Roses.

Thirteenth Colony Distillery (Americus, GA) WF092

Join me today as I chat with Maxwell Darby, the president of 13th Colony distillery as he discussed the distillery's origins, its status as Georgia's oldest operating whiskey distillery, and the unique challenges and benefits of aging whiskey in Georgia's climate. He'll explained the creation of their products, including the "accidental" discovery of their popular Double Oak bourbon, the story behind their distinctive decanter-style bottle, and their increasing focus on in-house distilled products. We finish with information about visiting the distillery and its location near other historical sites.

Also, if you're ready to start planning your distillery adventures for this summer, make sure to grab a copy of Whiskey Lore's Travel Guide to Experiencing American Whiskey - signed copies available for Father's Day at whiskeylore.org/shop (US only)

🌟Enjoy a deep dive into the what the tree in 13th Colony's logo represents, how to taste their white whiskey, places to eat in Americus and more in this episode as a member of Whiskey Lore's Patreon (a 7-day free trial is available for new listeners).

When it comes to the stories of whiskey brands, the tale is often told of passionate distillers, willing markets, and a quick and easy rise built off of a quality product and reputation. But foundation stories are rarely that simple.

In the case of Four Roses, an American brand with some mythic qualities, a deeper investigation shows a brand that wasn't entirely embraced by the family that originated it. At times it was the odd man out. But eventually it became one of the most popular whiskies in America.

Join me as we travel through the years after the founders passed, to see how the next generation handled the family's legacy. Along the way, we'll hear of struggles with overproduction, a fist thrown when the company's integrity was challenged, the creative ways the brand survived Prohibition, and the company executive that may have set the table for the way whiskey was made for the next 80 years.

Enjoy this second episode in a series of three on the history of Four Roses.