Luxco announced that Ian Stirsman has been named the first master distiller at Lawrenceburg, Ind.-based Ross & Squibb Distillery. Effective immediately, Stirsman will serve as master distiller for all Ross & Squibb brands, including George Remus Bourbon and Rossville Union Rye Whiskey, as well as any future brands released under the Ross & Squibb name.

Luxco and MGP merged this time last year and later renamed the longtime Seagrams plant Ross & Squibb. (Read: history on facility prior to MGP acquiring.) Prior to this rebrand, the distillery, which dates back to the 1800s, had several prominent master distillers, most notably current whiskey consultant Larry Ebersole and Old Elk master distiller Greg Metz. Stirsman becomes the first under the new name.

In his role, Stirsman will be responsible for guiding the product development process for new innovation and annual limited releases, hosting customers for barrel picks and distillery visits, and building brand awareness for the distillery and its brands. While serving in this new role, Stirsman also will continue to serve as a resource in support of operations at MGP’s historic Lawrenceburg distillery.

Since 2014, Stirsman has worked in a variety of roles in MGP’s distilling operations before earning his Master Distiller certification in 2019. Prior to joining MGP, he worked as a process engineer and shift manager for PH Glatfelter Co., a global manufacturer of engineered materials. He graduated in 2010 from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering with a minor in biological sciences.

“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,” David Bratcher, COO and president of branded spirits for MGP, said in a news release. “We’re excited for Ian, and we’re eager to see him lead as Ross & Squibb’s first Master Distiller.”

In late 2021, Luxco announced the renaming of the Lawrenceburg home of its branded spirits to the Ross & Squibb Distillery as it joined the Luxco family of brands. Like the brands it produces, Ross & Squib Distillery pays tribute to Indiana’s distilling history and the pioneers who transformed Lawrenceburg into “Whiskey City USA” and helped make Indiana the rye capital of the world.