1980s Southern Comfort 5cl

Let’s delve into the intriguing world of Southern Comfort, a spirit with a rich history and a loyal following. Here are some fascinating tidbits about this iconic liqueur:

Not Quite Whiskey:
Although Southern Comfort often shares shelf space with renowned whiskies like Jim Beam and Jack Daniels, it isn’t technically a whiskey.
Invented in 1874 by New Orleans bartender Martin Wilkes Heron, the original spirit blended fruits and spices with low-quality whiskey to add sweetness and smoothness.
Over the years, the brand changed hands multiple times, and at one point, the whiskey base was even replaced with cheaper neutral grain spirit (such as vodka).
It wasn’t until Sazerac acquired the brand in 2016 that production started using a whiskey base again.

Tagline Mystery:
When Heron patented his creation in 1889, he labeled the bottles with the tagline “None Genuine But Mine.”
Interestingly, this tagline persisted for over 70 years, even after one of its “genuine” core ingredients (whiskey) was altered.

Origins and Name Change:
Heron initially named his liqueur “Cuffs & Buttons,” possibly referencing the ingredients he used for the infusion: citrus peel (cuffs) and cloves (buttons).
Later, it became known as Southern Comfort, and its popularity soared.
The name change was a smart move, as it evoked the warm and comforting vibes of the American South.

WWII Connection:
During World War II, homesick pilot Colonel Thomas J. Barr named his B-17G bomber “Southern Comfort” in honor of his favorite liqueur.
Barr and his crew even painted the name on their plane, hoping the company might send them a few free bottles.
It took more than 60 years, but in 2015, the brand finally presented Barr with a case of special-label Southern Comfort during a ceremony recognizing his war efforts.

Flavored Infusions:
In an attempt to revive its popularity, Southern Comfort introduced various flavored releases around 2011.
These included fruity infusions like Cherry and Lime, as well as dessert-inspired mixes like Caramel and Gingerbread Spice.
However, none were more eyebrow-raising than “Fiery Pepper,” a blend of the sweet liqueur and Tabasco.
Thankfully, Sazerac dropped the flavored releases when it acquired the brand in 2016.
Janis Joplin’s Favorite:
The legendary singer-songwriter Janis Joplin was famously a fan of Southern Comfort.
She regularly appeared on stage with a bottle of SoCo in hand, adding to the spirit’s rock ‘n’ roll mystique.
So, whether you’re sipping it neat, mixing it into cocktails, or just curious about its storied past, Southern Comfort continues to be a beloved and intriguing spirit.