Jos. A. Magnus & Co

The discovery of a single, unopened bottle changed everything. In 2007, the great-grandson of whiskey magnate Joseph Magnus unwrapped a carefully preserved expression dated May 1892, believed to be the very first Joseph A. Magnus whiskey ever made. That 122-year-old bottle sparked the revival of a brand lost to Prohibition and decades of silence.

History & Heritage

Joseph Magnus built his whiskey empire in the pre-Prohibition era, establishing a reputation that would endure long after his distillery fell silent. The Washington, D.C.-based revival began when his descendant found that precious bottle and decided the family legacy deserved a second chapter. Jos. A. Magnus & Co. now operates from the nation's capital, honoring techniques their founder perfected more than a century ago.

The Whiskey

The distillery produces bourbon and light whiskey using methods that echo Joseph Magnus's original approach. Their signature technique involves artful blending, marrying expressions of different ages to create complex profiles. The flagship Joseph Magnus Bourbon anchors their lineup, while the Murray Hill Club offers special batch releases. The Cigar Blend Bourbon delivers notes of espresso, berry, cobbler, and tobacco, designed for those who appreciate bold, contemplative pours.

Why It Matters

Jos. A. Magnus & Co. represents more than revival, it demonstrates the enduring power of American whiskey tradition. Their commitment to pre-Prohibition blending techniques produces expressions that bridge past and present, offering modern drinkers a taste of methods refined when the industry was young. For The Sentinel Room's Reserve Whiskey Library, these expressions represent both historical significance and genuine quality.