Kirin is launching Henry McKenna in Australia and New Zeeland. I helped Al Young at Four Roses get the historical background for the marketing firm handling the brand. The main reason they decided to launch a new, old brand, so to speak, rather than go into these markets with Four Roses is that Four Roses was not manly enough of a name. Do you think that Four Roses is too feminine of a name for bourbon?
I realise that most bourbons have names that appeal to men, as the fact is men are the largest market for bourbon. Even so, I never even thought about Four Rose in that context until Al told me this was the reason for the re-launch of Henry McKenna overseas in Australia and New Zealand. I also have to wonder if the brand really does appeal to the female market more than say Jim Beam?