MGP / Ross & Squibb Distillery

Distillery Snapshot

Parent Company: MGP Ingredients
Founded: 1847
Founder: George Ross
Location: Lawrenceburg · Indiana
Official Website: Visit Website

Overview

Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, is one of the most important whiskey production sites in the United States. Long known to enthusiasts as MGP Indiana, the distillery has supplied whiskey for many sourced brands while also supporting proprietary labels such as Rossville Union and Remus Bourbon.

The site is especially famous for rye whiskey and bourbon production. Its scale, recipe range, and contract-distilling role have made it central to the modern American whiskey boom.

History

The distillery traces its roots to the Rossville Distillery, founded in Lawrenceburg in 1847 by George Ross. The facility later became associated with Seagram and, after several ownership changes, was acquired by MGP. In 2021, MGP and Luxco revived the Ross & Squibb name for the Lawrenceburg branded-spirits distillery identity.

Because many independent bottlers and brands have used whiskey distilled in Lawrenceburg, Ross & Squibb occupies a unique place in whiskey culture: it is both a historic distillery and a behind-the-scenes engine for a large portion of the sourced American whiskey category.

Ownership and Operations

Ross & Squibb is owned by MGP Ingredients, now operating as part of the company’s branded spirits and distilled spirits business. The Lawrenceburg distillery produces bourbon, rye whiskey, and other spirits for proprietary brands and customers.

Public details about recipes vary by product and client. The distillery is especially known among enthusiasts for high-rye bourbon and rye whiskey, but exact mash bills should only be stated when officially disclosed for a specific brand or release.

Brands Produced

Proprietary brands associated with Ross & Squibb include Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey, Remus Bourbon, Remus Repeal Reserve, Eight & Sand, and Tanner’s Creek. The facility has also historically supplied distillate or aged whiskey to numerous non-distiller producers, though individual sourcing relationships can change over time.

Visitor Experience

Ross & Squibb is primarily a production and industry-facing facility rather than a typical public tourism stop. Consumers should not assume public tours are available unless the company announces specific events or visitor opportunities.

Why This Distillery Matters

Ross & Squibb matters because it helped power the modern sourced-whiskey era. Many drinkers learned to appreciate rye, high-rye bourbon, and independent bottlings through whiskey distilled in Lawrenceburg. The distillery also demonstrates how contract production, proprietary brands, and historic distilling can coexist in one site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ross & Squibb Distillery located?

It is located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Is Ross & Squibb the same as MGP?

Ross & Squibb is the Lawrenceburg distillery identity associated with MGP’s whiskey production and branded spirits.

What brands are made there?

Rossville Union, Remus Bourbon, and Remus Repeal Reserve are major proprietary brands associated with the site.

Does Ross & Squibb offer tours?

It is not generally promoted as a standard public tour destination.

Major Brands:

  • Rossville Union
  • Remus Bourbon
  • Remus Repeal Reserve
  • Eight & Sand
  • Tanner’s Creek

Historical Notes:

The Lawrenceburg site began as Rossville Distillery in 1847 and was later associated with Seagram, MGP, and the revived Ross & Squibb identity.

Source Notes:

Sources reviewed: MGP official Ross & Squibb page; Ross & Squibb official brand site; Luxco/MGP historical materials; reputable whiskey industry coverage of the 2021 rebrand.