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CLEVELAND - The Delta is famous for its vibrant music scene... and it might soon gain recognition for its unique cocktail blends.
One year ago this week, a company named "Jurbie McSwash" started its journey from a home in Cleveland.
Currently, the business is expanding as Bolivar County gains recognition as a hub for the legal production of alcohol.
Bourbon aficionado Clay Johnson loves exploring a variety of bourbons from different distilleries.
On this day, he sampled a "Jurbie McSwash" bourbon barrel selection along with its exclusive Bloody Mary cocktail blend.
"I might grab a bottle simply because, after sampling this one, I have faith in their quality," Johnson remarked.
He mentions that with a distillery currently being built in Rosedale, Bolivar County is poised to become a significant hub for the alcohol industry in Mississippi.
President of Jurbie McSwash, Phillip McIntosh, states that he prepares his Bloody Mary mix in Cleveland using ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
He claims that a neighbor inspired his recipe.
"McIntosh shared, 'He summarized the main points for me. We made some additions, and I gifted the bourbon group a bottle for Christmas last year. They were excited and said we should do something more with it. That's when we decided to elevate it further.'"
He mentioned that the rest of us will soon be able to find his Bloody Mary mix available in stores.
"Under the most favorable circumstances, we could find ourselves on a shelf by the middle to the end of the second quarter of this year," McIntosh remarked.
Jana Alford, co-owner of Whole Cellars Liquor Store, notes that Jurbie McSwash is building a solid reputation.
"They assist us in selecting all of our bourbon barrel picks for the shop. Plus, they create this incredible Bloody Mary mix that many of you might have come across at local farmers markets or festivals; it's available for purchase. It's really delicious," Alford mentioned.
As this locally-produced item gears up for greater exposure, Johnson is confident that the alcohol sector will provide a significant uplift to Bolivar and the surrounding areas of The Delta.
Johnson expressed, "I would be delighted to witness this area flourish further with the introduction of any new industry."
