Expert: Paul Wagner - 7/7/2006

Question
 I am researching I.W.Harper Corporation's history, and wondered it you knew what the "I.W."
stood for in the name? I know they are no longer in the U.S., but wondered if there was a
place I could check the history of the original
I.W. Harper founder. If you don't know, would you
be able to steer me in the right direction? I do
apprecite any assistance you can prvide. Thaank
you very much. Terry Mayer  

Answer
Hi Terry:

Gosh, there are a lot of people suddenly interested in this old brand.  Here is what the wikipedia says about I W Harper:  

Isaac Wolfe Bernheim (November 4, 1848- 1945) was a Jewish businessman notable for starting the I. W. Harper brand of bourbon distilled at the Bernheim distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. The success of his distillery and distribution business helped to consolidate the Louisville area as a major centre of Kentucky bourbon distilling. Bernheim was also a philanthropist, establishing the 14,000 acre (57 kmē) Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Bullitt County.

The brand is now owned by United Distillers and Vintners, which is part of UDV.  Here is a link to some information about them:

http://www.thewhiskystore.de/industry/udv/udv.htm

I can only suggest that you contact UDV directly for more history on this brand.

Paul Wagner