The story behind Remus Bourbon is one that is steeped in the history and intrigue of the Prohibition era in the United States. It revolves around the fascinating character of George Remus, a man who was not only a pharmacist and successful attorney but also became known as the “King of the Bootleggers.”
George Remus was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States as a child. He studied pharmacy and eventually became a licensed pharmacist. However, Remus found his true calling in the legal field and went on to become a prominent and highly successful attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio.
During the 1920s, the United States was in the midst of Prohibition, a nationwide ban on the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. This era gave rise to a thriving underground economy centered around the illegal production and sale of alcohol, often referred to as bootlegging.
Remus, with his background in pharmacy and law, saw an opportunity to exploit the loopholes in the Volstead Act, the legislation that enforced Prohibition. The act allowed for the sale and consumption of alcohol for medicinal purposes, and Remus used his knowledge to navigate the legal system and establish a vast network of pharmacies that served as fronts for his bootlegging operations.
One of Remus' most notable tactics was to purchase large quantities of industrial alcohol, which was not subject to the same restrictions as beverage alcohol. He then used his pharmaceutical skills to “denature” the alcohol, removing the toxic substances that made it unfit for consumption. This process essentially turned the industrial alcohol into drinkable whiskey.
Remus' operation quickly grew in size and scope, and he became one of the most successful bootleggers of the time. He controlled a significant portion of the illegal alcohol trade, making millions of dollars in profits. His operation stretched across multiple states, and he even had his own fleet of trucks for transportation.
However, Remus' success and notoriety eventually caught the attention of law enforcement. In 1922, he was arrested and charged with violating the Volstead Act. Despite his legal expertise, Remus was convicted and sentenced to two years in federal prison.
While in prison, Remus devised an audacious plan to regain control of his empire. He orchestrated the kidnapping of his own wife, Imogene, who had taken over his business in his absence. Remus believed that by kidnapping his wife, he could manipulate the legal system and secure his release.
The kidnapping plot, however, did not go as planned. Imogene, fearing for her life, managed to escape and went into hiding. Remus was ultimately convicted of kidnapping and sentenced to serve additional time in prison.
After his release, Remus retreated from the bootlegging business and lived a quieter life. He eventually died in 1952, largely forgotten by the public. However, his legacy as the “King of the Bootleggers” lives on, and his story remains an intriguing chapter in the history of Prohibition.
Today, Remus Bourbon pays homage to George Remus and his bootlegging empire. The brand aims to capture the spirit of the Prohibition era, offering a range of high-quality bourbons that showcase the craftsmanship and ingenuity of that time. Each bottle is a reminder of Remus' audacity and his ability to find loopholes in the law, making him a legendary figure in American history.