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Old Commonwealth Distillery Revives D.H. Cromwell Bourbon

In an exciting turn of events for bourbon enthusiasts, Old Commonwealth Distillery has announced the revival of the iconic D.H. Cromwell 15 Year Bourbon. Set to launch in May 2025, this limited-release small batch bourbon pays homage to the remarkable and rebellious figure known as 'Dirty Helen' Cromwell.

A Toast to a Legend

The story of D.H. Cromwell bourbon traces back to the year 2000 when Louisville's liquor retailer, Gordon Jackson, won a full barrel of this exceptional bourbon from the renowned Julian Van Winkle III. Recognizing the spirit's potential, Jackson decided to honor the legendary Dirty Helen Cromwell by bottling it under her name. Cromwell, born in 1886, was infamous for her hedonistic lifestyle as a madam, a speakeasy operator, and the proprietor of Milwaukee's notorious Sunflower Inn. Known for her unfiltered persona, Cromwell exclusively served whiskey and declared her disdain for other drinks with a plethora of cheeky expletives.

Jackson considered the bourbon a precise representation of Cromwell's daring spirit. The inaugural release consisted of a mere 72 bottles, marked with a distinctive label and carrying a unique proof of 92.4. Although initially slow to sell at roughly $60 a bottle, its status has skyrocketed, commanding prices exceeding $18,000 at auction today.

Craftsmanship of the 2025 Revival

Fast forward to today, Old Commonwealth's leadership decided it was the right time to resurrect the D.H. Cromwell brand. Zachary Joseph, president of operations at Old Commonwealth, expressed his admiration for Cromwell, stating, "Every Helen story makes you laugh. She was wonderfully unapologetic and brash, much like our whiskey."

For the new release, the team sourced 15-year-old straight bourbon from a heritage distiller, meticulously sampling over 100 barrels. After a thorough selection process, four barrels were deemed suitable. Unlike its predecessor, this iteration features a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. Joseph explained, "The process for D.H. Cromwell involved re-barreling the bourbon in new, charred oak barrels for six months to enhance its fruity notes, contributing to a vintage whiskey profile."

The final blend was carefully crafted, initially sampled at cask strength, then adjusted to 110 proof, finally settling at 106 proof after winning unanimous praise in blind tastings. Andrew English, co-founder, commented on the goal of making their quality bourbon accessible to a broader audience, responding to customer requests for higher volumes.

Tasting Notes of D.H. Cromwell 15 Year Bourbon

As for the sensory experience, the 2025 D.H. Cromwell 15 Year Bourbon delivers a bold profile:

• - Nose: Expect an earthy aroma synonymous with aged whiskey, revealing notes of vanilla buttercream, candied orange zest, clove, and more, culminating in a rich blend of fruity scents.
• - Palate: On the tongue, it presents sweet vanilla cream followed by a tantalizing medley of flavors that remind one of freshly baked cherry pie and ginger snap cookies, all while ensuring a juicy, mouth-watering experience.
• - Finish: The finish is lengthy, marked by dark chocolate and cherry flavors lasting delightfully long on the palate.

A Legacy of Giving Back

In true spirit of Dirty Helen's legendary generosity, Old Commonwealth Distillery will donate a portion of proceeds from each bottle sold to Refuge for Women, an organization dedicated to supporting women escaping sexual exploitation and trafficking. English remarked, "Helen may have drank like a rebel, but she gave like a saint. We’re excited to contribute to helping women transition into lives of freedom."

The D.H. Cromwell 15 Year Bourbon will be available on their website starting May 22, so mark your calendars! With its unique flavor profile and philanthropic commitment, this bourbon aims to honor the legacy of a truly extraordinary woman while inviting whiskey lovers to partake in something remarkable.

For more details about the release and its charitable mission, visit Old Commonwealth Distillery's official website.