W.H. Harrison 750ML

W.H. Harrison 750ML is a small-batch Indiana bourbon bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml bottle, built on MGP's renowned high-rye mashbill. Sourced from Midwestern Grain Products in Indiana and released in limited small batches, this expression channels one of the state's most acclaimed bourbon recipes into a lighter-bodied, approachable package.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Indiana, USA  |  Aged Under 4 Years  |  Bottler: Tipton Spirits, Temperance, Michigan

Production & Heritage

W.H. Harrison is distilled at Midwestern Grain Products (MGP) in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the most prolific contract distilleries in American whiskey. The bourbon uses MGP's high-rye mashbill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley — the same grain recipe behind several critically regarded bourbons in the sourced whiskey market. After aging for less than four years in Indiana, the whiskey is bottled by Tipton Spirits in Temperance, Michigan, and released in small batches, meaning slight batch-to-batch variation can occur. The brand bills itself as "The Original Indiana Bourbon," a nod to its early adoption of the MGP-sourced bourbon model, though that claim has drawn debate among whiskey historians.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Toasted oak and caramel lead the nose, followed by vanilla and a gentle wave of baking spice. A subtle fruitiness — dried apricot and fresh hay — emerges with a few minutes of air in the glass.

Taste: The entry is light and somewhat airy for a bourbon, with brown sugar and caramel sweetness arriving immediately. At mid-palate, rye spice asserts itself through cinnamon and black pepper, layered over a waxy, almost doughy sweetness. Oak tannins build gradually but never dominate, keeping the profile balanced toward the sweeter side.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering cinnamon warmth and a faint trace of dried fruit. The finish tapers cleanly, leaving a gentle oak-and-spice impression rather than a heavy char note.

How to Drink W.H. Harrison

At 80 proof, this bourbon is already approachable neat and does not require dilution, though a single large ice cube will amplify the caramel sweetness. Its high-rye backbone and lighter body make it a versatile cocktail base.

• Old Fashioned: The 36% rye content provides enough spice to stand up to bitters and sugar without becoming one-dimensional.
• Whiskey Sour: The brown sugar and dried fruit character complements fresh citrus juice cleanly at this proof.
• Boulevardier: The bourbon's caramel sweetness and rye spice balance well against Campari's bitterness and sweet vermouth.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers exploring the MGP high-rye mashbill at an entry-level proof point
• Building a home bar with a versatile, cocktail-friendly straight bourbon
• Introducing someone to Indiana-distilled bourbon without a high-proof barrier
• Side-by-side tastings comparing MGP-sourced expressions from different bottlers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does W.H. Harrison taste like? W.H. Harrison delivers caramel and brown sugar sweetness balanced by prominent rye spice — cinnamon and black pepper — with toasted oak in the background. The profile is lighter-bodied and approachable, finishing with moderate warmth and dried fruit.

How does W.H. Harrison compare to Smooth Ambler Old Scout? Both bourbons are sourced from MGP and share the identical 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley mashbill. However, Smooth Ambler Old Scout carries a 10-year age statement and higher proof, resulting in deeper oak complexity and richer body compared to W.H. Harrison's younger, lighter-bodied character.

Is W.H. Harrison good for sipping neat? At 80 proof, it is one of the more approachable MGP-sourced bourbons for neat sipping, particularly for those who prefer lower-proof whiskey. Its lighter body makes it easy-drinking, though experienced bourbon drinkers may find it thinner than barrel-proof alternatives.

Where is W.H. Harrison made? The bourbon is distilled at MGP's facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and aged in Indiana before being bottled by Tipton Spirits in Temperance, Michigan.

What foods pair well with W.H. Harrison? Smoked pork ribs complement its caramel sweetness; sharp aged cheddar plays well against the rye spice; pecan pie echoes the brown sugar and toasted oak notes; grilled stone fruit like peaches mirrors the dried apricot character; and dark chocolate with sea salt highlights the bourbon's vanilla and cinnamon undertones.

What sizes does W.H. Harrison come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available size for this expression.

Is W.H. Harrison worth the price? W.H. Harrison positions as an entry-level bourbon within the MGP-sourced category, priced below longer-aged expressions that share the same mashbill. It delivers solid value for drinkers seeking everyday access to that high-rye grain recipe without the premium attached to age-stated or limited releases.

Why W.H. Harrison?

The core appeal here is direct access to MGP's celebrated 60/36/4 high-rye mashbill — the same recipe that underpins some of the most sought-after sourced bourbons on the market — at a lower proof and an accessible price tier. Small-batch bottling introduces subtle variation between releases, giving repeat buyers a reason to compare batches. While the sub-four-year age statement means this bourbon lacks the deep oak integration of its older siblings, the rye-forward spice and clean caramel sweetness hold their own in cocktails and as a straightforward sipper. For anyone building familiarity with Indiana bourbon or assembling a lineup of MGP expressions at different ages and proofs, W.H. Harrison fills the entry point cleanly.