Smithsonian Magazine recently reported on the invention of an electronic “nose” that can identify different whiskey styles, their individual brands and even geographic origin by “smelling” samples. Created by researchers at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Australia, the prototype is called NOS.E.
Designer Dram is a whiskey company unlike any other – it’s the only company in the world that empowers regular consumers to become “master distillers.” Customers start by selecting their custom mash bill – bourbon, rye, wheated, etc. – which are all aged 5-10 years. They decide the ratio of each, as well as ABV (alcohol by volume) to produce a final 750ml bottle of whiskey that is uniquely theirs and distinctly high-end, down to the custom label and designer bottle.
Designer Dram does it by leveraging the “dirty little secret” of whiskey makers – which is that dozens of high-end whiskey brands costing well over $150 a bottle all in fact come from one source: MGP Ingredients, Inc., based in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Correct – that’s Lawrenceburg, Indiana and not Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, which is the well-known home to almost two dozen legendary distilleries such as Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Bulleit and Buffalo Trace. So what is MGP (Midwest Grain Processing)? It’s the supplier for some very expensive “artisanal” whiskey brands like Joseph Magnus, Barrel Whiskey and Old Bones Bourbon. Those brands create their custom blend using MGP-sourced whiskey – just as a regular person can do with Designer Dram.
It may sound as unbelievable as a robotic nose, but thanks to the brilliance of Designer Dram, regular people who are seeking that most impressive and unique gift for Father’s Day, graduations, weddings and birthdays now have the ability to create their very own whiskey blend that is on par with some of the best known top-shelf brands.
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