In today’s competitive whiskey market, two key elements are vital for building a successful brand – exceptional liquid and a compelling story. The Mary Dowling Whiskey Company, established as a joint venture in 2023 by Pernod Ricard and Kaveh Zamanian, seems to have both aspects covered. With Zamanian, a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, at the helm, the brand showcases a deep commitment to quality and innovation in whiskey-making.
Zamanian’s passion project, Mary Dowling Whiskey, pays tribute to the iconic female distiller Mary Dowling, often hailed as the “Mother of Bourbon.” Her remarkable story, featuring groundbreaking achievements and daring adventures, had been lost to time until now. With a desire to honor her legacy, the brand’s founding is a testament to the importance of celebrating pioneers in the whiskey industry.
Before the acquisition by Pernod Ricard, Zamanian had been exploring the idea of launching a new whiskey brand. Known for his progressive whiskey-making techniques, he had established Rabbit Hole Distillery as an epicenter of experimentation and creativity. The creation of unique “opportunity” barrels, each crafted with distinct recipes and aging methods, paved the way for Mary Dowling Whiskey’s debut.
Embracing the limitless possibilities of American whiskey, Zamanian highlights the beauty of bourbon as a canvas for innovation. By blending tradition with modern techniques, he envisions a landscape of endless creativity in crafting new expressions. The brand’s inaugural releases showcase this vision, offering a fresh perspective on bourbon-making that sets them apart in a crowded market.
Mary Dowling Whiskey’s first two bourbons pay homage to their namesake while pushing the boundaries of flavor profiles. The Tequila Barrel expression, a high rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Reposado tequila barrels, delivers a unique spicy note that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Double Oak Barrel, a wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon aged in new American Oak barrels, offers a sweeter, barrel-strength alternative for connoisseurs.
With a meticulous focus on secondary maturation and flavor enhancement, the brand’s offerings reflect a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Priced competitively and available in select markets, Mary Dowling Whiskey aims to captivate consumers with its distinctive character and innovative approach to bourbon-making.
The Path to Recognition
As Mary Dowling Whiskey embarks on its journey to establish a presence in the whiskey market, strategic partnerships and a thoughtful storytelling approach are key components of its strategy. Collaborating with Castle Brands and leveraging Pernod Ricard’s resources, the brand aims to expand its reach nationally and internationally.
By commissioning a historian to research Mary Dowling’s story and planning a book release to deepen consumer engagement, the brand demonstrates a commitment to authenticity and heritage. Awarded medals at prestigious spirits competitions and praised for its unique packaging design, Mary Dowling Whiskey is quickly gaining credibility and recognition in the industry.
As the brand sets its sights on future growth and expansion, the legacy of Mary Dowling stands as a testament to innovation and perseverance in the whiskey world. With a strong foundation of exceptional liquid, compelling storytelling, and industry accolades, Mary Dowling Whiskey is poised to make its mark in the premium bourbon segment.
With Zamanian’s expertise and Pernod Ricard’s support guiding the brand forward, the journey of Mary Dowling Whiskey is one defined by passion, dedication, and a deep respect for the rich heritage of bourbon-making. As consumers and critics alike take notice of this emerging player in the whiskey landscape, Mary Dowling’s legacy is primed for a well-deserved resurgence on the world stage.
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