Southern Comfort is a well-known liqueur that has a long and interesting history. It was first created by a man named W.H. Heron, who moved to Memphis in 1889 and patented his cordial-like concoction under the name “W.H. Heron's Famous Southern Comfort.” This unique spirit quickly gained popularity and became a favorite among many Americans.
Originally, Southern Comfort was made with whiskey as its base. It had a distinct and rich flavor that set it apart from other liqueurs of its time. The tagline “None genuine but mine” emphasized the quality and authenticity of Heron's creation.
However, the story took a turn after Prohibition. During this period, the production and sale of alcoholic beverages were prohibited in the United States. When Prohibition ended, many spirits, including Southern Comfort, had to adapt to the changing market.
Somewhere along the way, a decision was made to replace the whiskey in Southern Comfort with a neutral grain spirit. This change was likely driven by cost considerations, as using whiskey as the base would have been more expensive. Unfortunately, this decision had a negative impact on the quality and character of the product.
The switch from whiskey to a neutral grain spirit resulted in a cheaper and less flavorful version of Southern Comfort. The unique taste that made it famous was diminished. Many loyal fans of the original recipe were disappointed by this change, as the new version lacked the depth and complexity that they had come to love.
Despite this setback, Southern Comfort still managed to maintain a loyal following. Its distinctive flavor, even in its altered form, continued to appeal to many people. Over the years, Southern Comfort has become a staple in bars and households, often enjoyed in various cocktails or on its own.
Nowadays, Southern Comfort is available in a variety of sizes to cater to different preferences and occasions. The most common sizes you will find are:
1. 750ml Bottle: This is the standard size for Southern Comfort and is commonly found in liquor stores and bars. It is a convenient size for personal consumption or for mixing cocktails at home.
2. 1 Liter Bottle: This slightly larger size is also popular and provides more product for those who enjoy Southern Comfort frequently or for larger gatherings.
3. Miniature Bottles: Southern Comfort is also available in smaller, single-serving bottles. These are often used for sampling or for those who prefer a smaller portion.
It's worth noting that Southern Comfort may also be available in larger sizes, such as 1.75 liters, depending on the market and demand.
Southern Comfort has a rich history, starting with its creation by W.H. Heron and its initial success as a whiskey-based liqueur. However, the switch to a neutral grain spirit after Prohibition led to a cheaper and less flavorful product. Despite this, Southern Comfort still has a loyal following and is available in various sizes, including the standard 750ml and 1-liter bottles, as well as miniature bottles for single servings.