Laughton Bros. is the Illinois straight bourbon of Quincy Street Distillery in Riverside, Illinois, the first Illinois straight bourbon made in decades. This single-barrel bottling is aged at least two years in new charred oak and bottled at 91 proof (45.5% ABV).
The whiskey is named for David and Barnabus Laughton, two fur traders who established a popular tavern in 1827 along the oxbow of the Des Plaines River in what is now Riverside. It is handmade a short walk from where their tavern stood. Quincy Street sets out to recreate a 19th-century-style spirit, from a time when Illinois was one of the larger producers of bourbon.
The mash bill is 83% corn, with the balance barley malt and rye malt, the same grain recipe the distillery uses for its unaged corn whiskey. The use of both rye and barley malts gives a bigger-style bourbon with many layers. It is a balanced whiskey with a core of sweet corn flavor and a long finish from the malts, with hints of tobacco, spice and mint.
Its label, with the beaver drawn in the style of an old engraving, makes it a fine gift for Chicago-area whiskey fans.
Bourbon must be made in the United States from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak containers, and straight bourbon must be aged at least two years. Those rules give bourbon its characteristic sweetness, with caramel and vanilla drawn from the charred barrels.
Tasting Notes
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Core: Sweet corn.
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Palate: Layered, with rye and barley malt.
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Finish: Long, with tobacco, spice and mint.
Specifications
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Producer: Quincy Street Distillery, Riverside, Illinois
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Style: Illinois straight bourbon, single barrel
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Age: 2 years
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Mash Bill: 83% corn, barley malt and rye malt
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Proof / ABV: 91 proof (45.5% ABV)
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Region: Illinois, USA
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or with ice, or mix it into an Old Fashioned. It pairs with grilled sausages, cornbread or apple pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Laughton brothers?
David and Barnabus Laughton, fur traders who opened a tavern on the Des Plaines River in 1827.
What is the mash bill?
83% corn, with barley malt and rye malt.
Is it a single barrel?
Yes.
Where is it made?
Quincy Street Distillery in Riverside, Illinois.
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
