Luxco names first Ross & Squibb master distiller

MGP Ingredients-owned Luxco has appointed Ian Stirsman as the master distiller at its Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Third-party spirits producer MGP acquired American whiskey maker Luxco in April 2021, and in September last year, it rebranded its 174-year-old Lawrenceburg distillery as ‘Ross & Squibb’.

It has now promoted Stirsman to serve as the distillery’s first master distiller under its new name.

Stirsman will oversee production of all Ross & Squibb brands, including George Remus Bourbon and Rossville Union Rye Whiskey, as well as any future brands released by the distillery.

He will be tasked with new product development, hosting customers for barrel picks and distillery visits, and building brand awareness.

Stirsman has worked for MGP since 2014 in several roles in distilling operations, and earned his master distiller certification in 2019.

“When we set out to name the inaugural head of Ross & Squibb operations, our hope was to find someone from within the MGP family – someone who possessed both the technical skills for the job and knowledge of the processes and traditions that made the George Remus and Rossville Union brands so great,” said David Bratcher, COO and president of branded spirits for MGP.

Before joining MGP, Stirsman worked as a process engineer and shift manager for manufacturer Glatfelter. He graduated from Ohio University in 2010 with a bachelor of science in chemical engineering and a minor in biological sciences.

“We’re excited for Ian, and we’re eager to see him lead as Ross & Squibb’s first master distiller,” Bratcher continued.

MGP reported a massive 89% increase in sales in the second quarter of its fiscal 2021 year, boosted by its acquisition of Luxco.