You may not recognize the name Ross & Squibb yet, but this is the renamed hallowed grounds of the “Old Seagrams” plant in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Today Luxco who joined forces with MGP in 2021 has announced their new master distiller, Ian Stirsman. He will have oversight over brands such as Remus Bourbon and Rossville Union Rye Whiskey and any additional new brands. The full press release is below:
Ross & Squibb Distillery names first Master Distiller
MGP Master Distiller Ian Stirsman promoted to head the Ross & Squibb family of brands
LAWRENCEBURG, IN (Jan. 25, 2022) – Luxco announced Ian Stirsman has been named
the first master distiller at Lawrenceburg, IN-based Ross & Squibb Distillery TM . Effective
immediately, Stirsman will serve as master distiller for all Ross & Squibb brands, including
George Remus Bourbon and Rossville Union Rye Whiskey, as well as any future brands
released under the Ross & Squibb name.
In his role, Stirsman will be responsible for guiding the product development process for new
innovation and annual limited releases, hosting customers for barrel picks and distillery visits,
and building brand awareness for the distillery and its brands. While serving in this new role,
Stirsman also will continue to serve as a resource in support of operations at MGP’s historic
Lawrenceburg distillery.
Since 2014, Stirsman has worked in a variety of roles in MGP’s distilling operations before
earning his Master Distiller certification in 2019. Prior to joining MGP, he worked as a
process engineer and shift manager for PH Glatfelter Co., a global manufacturer of
engineered materials. He graduated in 2010 from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science
degree in chemical engineering with a minor in biological sciences.
“When we set out to name the inaugural head of Ross & Squibb operations, our hope was to
find someone from within the MGP family – someone who possessed both the technical skills
for the job and knowledge of the processes and traditions that made the George Remus and
Rossville Union brands so great,” said David Bratcher, COO and president of branded spirits
for MGP. “We’re excited for Ian, and we’re eager to see him lead as Ross & Squibb’s first
Master Distiller.”
In late 2021, Luxco announced the renaming of the Lawrenceburg home of its branded spirits
to the Ross & Squibb Distillery™ as it joined the Luxco family of brands. Like the brands it
produces, Ross & Squib Distillery pays tribute to Indiana’s distilling history and the pioneers
who transformed Lawrenceburg into “Whiskey City USA” and helped make Indiana the rye
capital of the world.
