Fountain Square Reserve Bourbon was proofed to 96 proof using fresh drinking water from the Tyler Davidson Fountain in Downtown Cincinnati
Cincinnati Distilling recently announced its release of the new Fountain Square Reserve Bourbon, which is proofed with water from the historic Tyler Davidson Fountain. Many distilleries tout their water sources as critical to their distillation process and even proofing, but this is certainly one of the more unique stories for us. For those not familiar with Downtown Cincinnati, the Tyler Davidson Fountain is located in the iconic “Fountain Square” on Fifth Street.
The Cincinnati Distilling Fountain Square Reserve Bourbon is bottled at 96 proof bourbon and made from a mash of 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley. The price is $39.99 per bottle and you can pre-order now on the Cincinnati Distilling website.
The release aims to celebrate the history of the fountain, which was donated by Henry Probasco in 1871 to honor the death of his brother-in-law and business partner Tyler Davidson.
What many people in Cincinnati don’t know is that the four figures around the outside of the fountain were actually meant for drinking water and were a very important request by the fountain’s donor, Henry Probasco, during the design of the fountain. When the city accepted the gift of the fountain in 1871 it came with the following conditions that “the city will maintain said fountain in complete order, and forever supply the drinking conduits thereof with pure drinking water for the free use of all who may resort thither at any hour of the day or night.”
Cincinnati Distilling Website
The city of Cincinnati was tasked with maintaining the fountain and its water supply. Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), who manages the fountain today, has confirmed that the water from those four figures is fresh drinking water.
When we arrived on Fountain Square with March First Brewing and our Cincinnati Distilling concept, Laveau, we knew we wanted to tap into the heart of the city more than just being on the square. Proofing a bourbon with water from the icon of the city is something that has never before been done. We’re looking forward to sharing this unique, one true, Cincinnati bourbon with the world.
Josh Engel, Spokesperson for Cincinnati Distilling
About Cincinnati Distilling
Cincinnati Distilling distills, blends, and creates spirits in Cincinnati, Ohio. We started our journey in 2017 alongside March First Brewing. Together, March First and Cincinnati Distilling are Cincinnati’s only brewery, cidery, and distillery.
We love creating traditional bourbons, whiskeys, vodkas, and rums, sure to please long-time aficionados and newcomers alike. We’re also eager for the opportunity to put our own spin on our craft. From bourbon finished in March First Imperial Stout barrels, to 100 proof Peppermint Schnapps created with locally-made Doscher’s Candies, and even one of the few Ohio-made Absinthe’s, we’re not afraid to experiment and think outside the box in the pursuit of intriguing, great-tasting beverages. We follow tradition, but we also like to be delightfully unpredictable.
For more information visit Cincinnati Distilling’s website.
About Tyler Davidson Fountain:
When the Tyler Davidson Fountain was dedicated in 1871, Fountain Square was simply a wide esplanade down the middle of Fifth Street. In 1970, the Square was redesigned for better traffic flow, and the fountain was moved to the south end of the plaza.
In 2000, the fountain was cleaned, restored and rededicated. In 2006, as one of three key projects to revitalize the center city, Fountain Square was renovated to reclaim its place as the heart of Cincinnati’s public life and to become a catalyst for downtown rebirth.
Cincinnati businessman Henry Probasco dedicated our famous fountain “To the People of Cincinnati” in memory of his business partner and brother-in-law, Tyler Davidson, on October 6, 1871.
Designed to rival the great fountains of Europe, the bronze and granite fountain glorifies the blessings of water. Streams of water flow from the outstretched hands of the nine-foot-tall Genius of Water, affectionately known as “The Lady.” Below her, large human figures represent water’s practical uses, and on the base, four child figures represent the pleasures of water.
The four figures around the rim were originally designed as drinking fountains, and visitors can still drink from them. The water that flows from these figures is fresh, not chlorinated, water.
In the Square’s current design, the Fountain has been given a prominent, central position overlooking the Square, adjacent to ample space for seating and areas for major events.
The fountain is turned on the Saturday before Major League Baseball’s Opening Day, and remains on until temperatures consistently dip below freezing, typically in late November or early December. During that time, the fountain usually runs 24/7, but it may be turned off between 3 and 6 a.m. when the Square is closed.
Fountain Square Image Credit: Derek Jensen (Tysto), 2005-April-05
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