Dustin Gandoff
A Tale of Perseverance: The Story of Michter’s Whiskey
The Humble Beginnings:
Michter’s Whiskey is a brand name that is synonymous with quality. The whiskey company has a storied history that began in the early 1700s. The company’s founder, John Shenk, established the distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania. At the time, the distillery was known as Bomberger’s Distillery.
In 1861, Shenk’s grandson, John Bomberger, took over the distillery and renamed it Michter’s Distillery. At the time, Michter’s produced whiskey that was highly sought after, especially by locals. Unfortunately, the distillery fell on hard times throughout the years, changing hands multiple times, and eventually shutting down in 1989 due to financial difficulties.
The Struggle:
Despite its difficulties, Michter’s Whiskey never disappeared from the market entirely. Some bourbon enthusiasts even considered the brand to be a legendary American whiskey that was lost but not forgotten. With such a strong legacy, it was no surprise that some brave investors decided to revive the brand.
However, the transition was not a smooth one. The investors had to deal with legal hurdles since the Michter’s brand was not registered initially. They had to file a trademark application in an attempt to revive the brand officially. However, intense litigation ensued, prompting the courts to rule in favor of Chatham Imports, who had initially acquired the dormant brand.
The Rebirth:
After all of the litigation and hurdles, Chatham Imports forged ahead, determined to bring Michter’s Whiskey back to life. By the year 2005, their efforts finally came to fruition, and Michter’s was officially resurrected. The company set up shop in Shively, Kentucky, after acquiring a 5-acre plot of land.
Michter’s Whiskey has been hard at work churning out several high-quality products ever since. They source their grains from local farmers, and their whiskey production process follows strict guidelines to ensure that the final product is of the highest quality.
The Perseverance Pays Off:
The new Michter’s is a testament to the value of persistence. The brand’s history is wrought with obstacles and challenges, but despite everything, it was able to rise from the ashes. Michter’s Whiskey is now considered one of the most prestigious brands in the whiskey industry, often winning awards for their exceptional products.
In conclusion, Michter’s Whiskey embodies the spirit of determination and perseverance. The brand had to overcome numerous challenges, including legal battles and financial difficulties. Still, the company stood firm, determined to resurrect the once-forgotten brand. Today, Michter’s Whiskey is a highly-respected brand, churning out premium quality whiskey that is beloved by whiskey connoisseurs all around the world.
