While looking around on Shorpy.com, I found an ad that was painted on the side of a building, one much like the one below, that made me wonder — was this one of Emmett’s preferred brands of whiskey?
Wilson Whiskey, and the two-word slogan: “That’s All.” Source: Pinterest.com
A near-full bottle of Wilson Whiskey. Source: http://www.ne.jp
Personally, I can see Emmett sidling up to the bar at The Osceola Club in Pensacola, and the barkeep asking, jokingly, “Will you be having your own brand today, Mr. Wilson?”
There’s an interesting story behind Woodrow Wilson and Wilson Whiskey, too, according to the blog, Tales of Things. In the 1912 election campaign, Woodrow Wilson’s staff was using the slogan from the whiskey to promote their candidate — which generated concern, as the Temperance movement was becoming more significant in national politics.
An interesting story from the blog Tales of Things and how Wilson Whiskey connected to Woodrow Wilson, just as temperance was more widespread.
By the way, Emmett Wilson and Woodrow Wilson weren’t related, but they were on good terms with each other while Emmett was in Congress.
Yes, I can see Emmett raising his glass of Wilson, and making a toast to Wilson. It just seems too good not to have happened, you know?
Here’s something interesting, too:
I found a blog where someone found a 40-50 year old bottle of the stuff, and they actually tried it!
The review on AlcoholReviews.com said of Wilson Whiskey: “…clearly this was made for knocking back in sweltering weather.” If so, then I can see Emmett probably drinking this stuff in Florida. Or, in August in Washington, D.C. Source: Pinterest.com
The review of Wilson Whiskey can be found here (a handy review site for those of us on the water wagon).
It would be interesting to know if it tastes the same as it did during pre-prohibition times.
The Wilson Whiskey distillery was located in Relay, Maryland. It appears that Seagram’s bought the distillery in 1934. You can read about Maryland’s distilling history here, in an article by James H. Bready in the Winter 1990 edition of Maryland Historical Magazine. The magazine is published by The Maryland Historical Society.
Categories: Addiction Interesting & Odd
jsmith532
Professor,
Communication, Arts, and the Humanities
The University of Maryland Global Campus
Tell my story. 
Hi!
I have been searching the internet to find out about Wilson Whiskey because when we renovated our old barn we found many old bottles intact in the walls and was wondering if they were a collectors item?
Would you happen to know or can you direct me?
Much Thanks,
Anita
Hi Anita — I’m sorry to say I don’t know if they are a collectors item or not. However, you may find folks on ebay who do collect them, or could connect you with those who do. Thanks for stopping by!
Judy