I.W. Harper 15 was indeed discontinued in the US shortly after United Distillers acquired the brand. However, it was still available for export to other markets. This means that while it may not have been seen on US shelves, it was still being produced and enjoyed in other parts of the world.
I remember the disappointment when I first heard that I.W. Harper 15 had been discontinued in the US. As a sommelier and brewer, I appreciate the craftsmanship and complexity that goes into creating a high-quality whiskey, and I.W. Harper 15 was no exception. Its smoothness, rich flavors, and balanced character made it a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.
But, as is often the case in the spirits industry, brands come and go, and sometimes they are temporarily shelved only to make a comeback later on. This was the case with I.W. Harper 15. After years of absence from the US market, Diageo, the current owner of the brand, decided to relaunch it in 2015.
I had the opportunity to taste the newly relaunched I.W. Harper 15, and I must say, it lived up to my expectations. The whiskey retained its signature smoothness and complexity, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It was a nostalgic experience, bringing back memories of the original version that I had enjoyed years ago.
It's interesting to consider why a brand like I.W. Harper 15 would be discontinued in one market but still available in others. There could be several reasons for this decision. Perhaps the demand for the whiskey was not high enough in the US at the time, or maybe United Distillers wanted to focus on other brands in their portfolio. Whatever the reasons may have been, it's clear that Diageo saw value in bringing back I.W. Harper 15 to the US market.
I.W. Harper 15 was indeed discontinued in the US for a period of time, but it made a triumphant return in 2015. As a sommelier and brewer, I'm glad to see this exceptional whiskey back on the shelves. It serves as a reminder that even beloved brands can have a second chance to be appreciated and enjoyed by whiskey enthusiasts.