Diageo Brings I.W. Harper Brand Back To America

By Richard Thomas

I.W. Harper was one of those brands that disappeared from American shelves, becoming an export only commodity. It wasn’t alone in making that switch. Before being acquired by Japan’s Kirin, Four Roses was in much the same boat. In the 1990s, when there was a glut of middle aged bourbon on the market, I.W. Harper was mostly occupying bottom shelves at the liquor store. So, the call was made to switch the brand to Japan, where sales were strong.

Now owner Diageo has decided the bourbon boom justifies bringing the I.W. Harper brand back to American shores after a two decade absence, and in two expressions: a 4 year old and a 15 year old.

The 4 year old is drawing on a fairly standard bourbon mashbill (73% corn plus rye and malt) bottled at 82 proof, while the premium 15 year old features a high corn mashbill (86%), and will retail for $74.99.

The reintroduction of I.W. Harper marks Diageo’s third major move in the American bourbon sector in recent times, following the launch of the Orphan Barrel series and the decision to build a distillery for Bulleit.