Beyoncé is currently approaching billionaire status, and her new business move might help push her closer to that milestone: She’s launching SirDavis, a new whisky brand.
The information was shared on Beyoncé’s press website yesterday (August 19), with a description that reads:
“Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has joined forces with Moët Hennessy, a subsidiary of LVMH, to create SirDavis, a groundbreaking new whisky. The first-of-its-kind joint venture reflects a shared vision between Knowles-Carter and Moët Hennessy, two vanguards of culture and craft, around the future of American whisky.
This unique product was years in the making after Knowles-Carter, a Japanese whisky enthusiast, sought out Moët Hennessy to help craft a one-of-a-kind flavor profile that reflected her whisky ideal. Meanwhile, Moët Hennessy had been exploring ways to deepen its presence in the American whisky market, making the timing kismet for a partnership between the world-leading luxury group and Knowles-Carter.”
It also notes that the whisky sells for $89 and can be pre-ordered via SirDavis.com. It’s set to become available at retail in the US — as well as select airports and stores in London, Paris, and Tokyo, in September.
The SirDavis website offers specific details about the whisky, including tasting notes that describe color, aroma, taste, and finish. The site also explains the origin of the brand’s name, saying:
“[Beyoncé] came to uncover that her paternal great-grandfather, Davis Hogue, had been a successful moonshiner in the American South during Prohibition and would stash his bottles in the empty knots of cedar trees on his farm for friends and kin to find and enjoy. She quickly understood why her own love for whisky ran so deep. Her affinity for whisky was fated and SirDavis was born. Four generations from when Davis Hogue made whisky on his land, his legacy is honored.”
Beyoncé herself also says, “I’ve always been drawn to the power and confidence I feel when drinking quality whisky and wanted to invite more people to experience that feeling.”
Kanye West and Candace Owensinterview from 2022 is making its way across the internet. The two spoke right after the controversial rapper debuted “White Lives Matter” shirts at a fashion show. Additionally, this interview was conducted right around Kanye West’s antisemitic rants online. At the start of the video, Candace reveals that she was waiting on the right time to drop the video on her YouTube channel. Currently, the sit-down has over 200,000 views in about its first five hours of being published. So far, we would agree that this was a solid time to do so, especially considering where Ye is at right now in the industry.
A few segments are catching some viewer’s attention and one of them is Candace trying to understand what led Kanye to unleash on the Jewish community. According to TMZ Hip Hop‘s discovery, the VULTURES 2 creator blamed his antisemitic outbursts on being in a drunken state. In fact, he was even able to remember exactly which hard liquor did him in. “You wanna know what alcohol I had inside me? Hennessy”.
Candace Owens Interrogates Kanye West On His Antisemitic Messages
Additionally, Ye explained that Hennessey in particular put him in a “gray” state, and it apparently let his thoughts spill out onto social media. However, he didn’t initially use the alcohol excuse for the infamous “death con 3” antisemitic bomb he dropped. So, Candace naturally prodded further on that one in particular. Basically, Ye said that he meant that one wholeheartedly and wanted his words to be heard. The shock factor is low now, but it still does not detract from the fact that he really does stand by most of what he feels about the Jewish people.
What are your thoughts on Kanye West blaming the antisemitic rants on alcohol? Are you buying this in any capacity, why or why not? How do you think Ye fans are going to defend this resurfaced interview? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Kanye West and Candace Owens. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the worldYe s of pop culture and music.
Shaboozey’s new album has been heating up the summer. With his lead single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” reaching the number 3 position on the Billboard Hot 100 last week and his album Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going debuting in the top 5 of Billboard’s album charts as well as topping the Independent Album charts this week, now is the best time to get into the Virginia hit maker’s unique blend of country, hip-hop, and heartbreak. While those are the three primary ingredients in Shaboozey’s chart-topping album, it’s impossible to ignore how ever-present booze is on the project’s 12-song journey.
Shaboozey’s star has been on the rise since releasing “Start a Riot” with Duckwrth on the Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse soundtrack back in 2018, and it reached a fever pitch when he collaborated with Beyoncé on her smash-hit Cowboy Carter album earlier this year. With all of that hype following Shaboozey and the niche he’s carving in the alt-Country music movement, it’s clear that he’s garnered a lot of attention outside of traditional Country music circles…including in the whiskey world.
So, to help you get into the genre-redefining album, we thought it would be a great idea to give you the perfect whiskey list to pair with every song on Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going to help enhance your listening experience. After all, with Shaboozey reaching for a drink throughout the album, why shouldn’t you join along? It’s a boozy, alcohol-infused ride over the album’s dozen songs, and if you want to fully appreciate it all, then this is the perfect list for you.
Grab a glass, sit back, and prepare to get tipsy with the surprise hit album of the summer!
1. “Horses & Hellcats” with George Dickel Tennessee Bottled in Bond Whisky
The album’s intro opens with guitar strumming and horses braying, setting the stage perfectly for Shaboozey’s unique soundscape. Embracing his love for the open country and the horsepower of Hellcats, he notes that if you’re looking for him, he’ll be “out in Tennessee,” which is exactly where we’ll go for our first whiskey recommendation.
The Whiskey:
George Dickel is one of the best-selling American whiskey brands on the planet, so it makes perfect sense to reach for one of their best (and one of their most widely available) bottles to pair with “Horses & Hellcats.” George Dickel Bottled in Bond is released annually, and this year’s version, made with a mashbill that’s 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley, is matured for 13 years.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Look for warm brown sugar, sticky maple syrup, and fruity notes like stewed red apple and ripe bananas when you catch a whiff of this intoxicating whiskey. Adding to the cowboy vibes, a smoky undertone goes well with the mellow oak aromas here. Lastly, there’s a touch of milk chocolate sweetness, which gives this whiskey the impression of being artfully aged.
Palate: On the palate, expect to taste toasted pecans with some subdued brown sugar as the maple syrup aroma notes become more distinct in the mouth. The flavor of bruised bananas and a faint bit of wet tobacco, nutmeg, and cornbread also stand out. The mouthfeel is surprisingly rich and robust despite being only 100 proof, which will make you feel like you’re “pushing (those) horses to the limit” while Shaboozey croons about hitting high speeds in his Hellcat.
Finish: On the finish, there’s a rising impression of leather, and more fruit comes into play as a bit of waxy fig comes to the fore, along with a few shakes of allspice.
Bottom Line:
If you’re out in Tennessee, this is one of the quintessential whiskeys that you simply have to try. This is George Dickel Tennessee Whisky at its best, with a perfect proof point for enjoying a high-octane ride (from the passenger seat) as well as turning up at home while you get into this infectious intro.
2. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
Shaboozey’s breakout single is the perfect encapsulation of his style. Equal parts boozy and Country, with an interpolation of J’Kwon’s “Tipsy” thrown in for good measure, signaling his hip-hop appreciation, this is simply a song that everyone can, and is, enjoying right now.
The Whiskey:
Look, if Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 needs an introduction, then you probably shouldn’t even be here. I mean, it’s only the most recognizable bottle of whiskey in the world! Sure, ubiquity in itself isn’t a signifier of quality, but with Shaboozey mentioning it by name and an ABV (and price point) that makes it suitable for taking shots at the bar, there’s no better whiskey to pair with the album’s lead single.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Maple candy, buttered popcorn, and banana pudding come tumbling out of the glass to greet the nose, along with a touch of red pepper. That maple candy note is due to the Lincoln County Process, a maple charcoal filtration process that all Tennessee whisky undergoes by law.
Palate: Banana pudding is again present on the nose, with some faint vinegar-based BBQ sauce notes and some gentle oak tones. A bit of maple candy provides the last oomph of flavor on this easy-sipping pour.
Finish: The finish is where you’ll find a slight flourish of black pepper baking spice, but overall, it’s full of those maple syrup notes that reverberate throughout the nosing notes and the palate profile.
Bottom Line:
For a lot of people, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 was probably their introduction to whiskey, just like “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is probably a lot of folks’ introduction to Shaboozey. Because of that, it’s hard to imagine a better pairing throughout the entire album — this one just makes perfect sense.
3. “Last of My Kind” feat. Paul Cauthen with Still Austin Ruby Red Port Barrel Finished Straight Rye Whiskey
“Last of My Kind” is a swaggering, self-confident song featuring Paul Cauthen, where Shaboozey thumbs his nose at the law and fully embraces the cowboy ethos of self-reliance. For his part, Paul Cauthen notes that sometimes in this world, you’ve “got (to) get it if you want it, keep the fire burnin’ inside,” and if he isn’t talking about allocated whiskey, then I don’t know what that line could better describe.
The Whiskey:
The limited edition whiskey we’re going with for this song comes from Texas, just like Paul Cauthen, and it sold out quickly online because, true to the song’s title, it’s the last of its kind. A 100% rye whiskey, aged for 4 years, then finished for 8 months in Ruby Red Port barrels, this allocated whiskey is a one-and-done expression from the highly acclaimed Still Austin Distillery.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Mulled wine, dried dates, sweet pastry, and spiced cranberry jam make up the nosing notes on this whiskey. Clearly, the Ruby Red Port has a strong influence here.
Palate: The full-bodied palate on this rye whiskey is accented by flavor notes like chocolate-covered raisins, fresh clove, pumpernickel toast, and fresh figs.
Finish: The finish on this whiskey is marked by cinnamon, cocoa powder, & stewed wild berries.
Bottom Line:
In a whiskey world where so many brands harp on their allocated expressions being “limited,” the truth is that few of them actually deliver on that premise. For this Ruby Red Port expression, Still Austin has truly released a whiskey that is the last of its kind, with no future plans to re-release the distillery-exclusive bottling. That’s exactly what makes it the perfect pairing here.
In this song of heartbreak, Shaboozey recounts a dark cloud of a lover who took the affection that he gave her and poured it into another man. If that doesn’t make you want to pour a glass of whiskey, I don’t know what it’ll take. Despite the fact that those circumstances left Shaboozey salty, penning some spicy lyrics to hide his heartbreak, we think you’ll need something complex and ultimately sweet to counterbalance all those emotions.
The Whiskey:
Four Roses Small Batch Select is a special blend that utilizes 6 of Four Roses’ ten recipes. Officially launched back in 2019, this ongoing expression is part of Four Roses’ core lineup and is perhaps the best widely available example of the brand’s blending prowess.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose is full of baking spices, ranging from nutmeg and black pepper to clove and thyme, but those baking spice vibes are quickly followed by a slightly floral aspect (yes, think roses) as well as some rich red berry tones like dried strawberries and ripe cranberries.
Palate: The palate is an intriguing ride as it again follows the same path of transitioning from ample baking spices to sweet, fruit-forward flavors. The baking spices are most prominently led by black pepper and thyme here, while the red berries come in at full force as this pour transitions to the finish, riding a robust mouthfeel to the back of the palate.
Finish: The finish finds a fresh punch of black pepper coupled with a touch of honey and mulled wine, offering a nice climax of balance that is both lengthy and mellow.
Bottom Line:
The complex interplay of flavors on this whiskey makes it the perfect pairing for “Anabelle,” which features Shaboozey contending with conflicting feelings about his jilted lover. As he hopes she’s happy with the one she chose, you’ll be happy that you chose Four Roses Small Batch Select instead of looking for revenge.
5. “East of the Massanutten” with Westward Barrel Strength Single Malt Whiskey
“I know that out there’s a land full of dreams, with milk, gold and honey, just waitin’ for me. So I’ll pack mе a little duffle, skip the goodbyеs and leave, ’cause East of the Massanutten, there’s nothin’ for me.” The chorus on “East of the Massanutten” expresses the yearning for a place that may or may not actually exist, but the yearning is part of the point. As is the realization that remaining stagnant and staying in place won’t get you what it is you’re pining for. Thus, Shaboozey turns westward, which is why our next whiskey is the perfect match for this song.
The Whiskey:
Westward’s Cask Strength offering is the pinnacle of their core lineup in that it offers their flagship whiskey as unfettered as you can hope for, short of theiving it from a barrel yourself. Made with 100% malted barley using only Pacific Northwest grains, this whiskey is perhaps the truest representation of the region you’ll find.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Plums and cherries dance on the nose along with an undercurrent of malted chocolate, honey, and thyme. It’s a bold, fruit-forward bouquet that’s further buoyed by slightly burnt wheat toast and black pepper.
Palate: The silky mouthfeel of this whiskey leads to the introduction of black cherry, redcurrant, plum flesh, and black pepper on the palate. At midpalate is where honey sweetness simply bursts and fans out over the tongue with malted chocolate and oak, highlighting the transition to the finish.
Finish: The finish is full of fresh hazelnuts, more malted chocolate, and well-aged oak. Black pepper spice kicks in at the end as this lengthy finish slowly undulates away, making it a pour you’ll enjoy long after the last sip.
Bottom Line:
Sure, east of the Massanutten might not have anything left to offer Shaboozey, but heading Westward has plenty to offer you. Westward’s Cask Strength expression is bursting at the seams with flavor, and with the American Single Malt category sitting on the precipice of being a legally recognized category, it’s also full of promise for the future.
6. “Highway” with Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Rye Finished in Sauternes & Toasted Oak
Another story about love lost, but rather than reacting with spite, this one is full of regret, with Shaboozey acknowledging that he should’ve been a better man. It’s a song about acceptance, searching for a long time for something that you may never find, and having to make peace with that. The second verse goes, “Since you stopped ridin’ shotgun, I ain’t been myself, goin’ out, lookin’ for a good time, but I’m goin’ through hell, got Jesus on the hotline sayin’, “You need help” put the liquor on the shelf, tell the devil, “Farewell.” That sets the stage perfectly for our next pairing…
The Whiskey:
Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Rye takes all of the best parts of their flagship rye offering but ratchets the flavor up several notches. While the brand’s standard rye is finished in rum casks, for this new Cask Strength offering, this Indiana-sourced rye is finished in Sauternes and Toasted Oak casks.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The influence of the Sauternes casks leaps off the nose of this whiskey, with golden raisins, honey, and sweet mint leading the way before rye spice flares up on subsequent whiffs.
Palate: The syrupy mouthfeel is the first thing you’ll notice about this pour as golden raisins, white chocolate, rye spice, and black pepper begin to prickle your tongue as the viscosity fades away. There’s also a bit of marshmallow and gentle oak tones brought forth by the toasted casks.
Finish: The finish is slightly drying, but the flavor of golden raisins, black pepper, and toasted oak makes it through the end as it leaves a sweet impression, and it grips your palate for minutes after your last sip.
Bottom Line:
Change is life’s only constant, and accepting those changes can be one of life’s biggest challenges. However, it’s quite easy to make your peace with Angel’s Envy’s new Cask Strength Rye, which changes the formula of their flagship in a way that benefits the bump in proof and provides even richer nuance to appreciate. As you accept the mistakes you’ve made in life, you’ll need something with a sweet finish to remind you that it all gets greater later.
7. “Let It Burn” with George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
“Let It Burn” contends again with doubt, lost love, and acceptance as Shaboozey urges the listener to “throw the memories in the flames” and “see the gold in the red, new horizons.” It’s a hopeful song but one that also acknowledges the pain that can come with having to turn over a new leaf.
The Whiskey:
George T. Stagg is the perfect pairing for this song because it’s perhaps the most quintessential “fiery” pour of bourbon on the market. For 2023’s George T. Stagg, its 135 proof will surely burn a bit, but boy, does that high heat feel so good…
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Black cherry, rich oak, and Aleppo red pepper flakes make an immediate impression on the nose of this whiskey out of the glass. Throw in notes of molasses, brown sugar, and faintly mesquite aromas which all add challenging layers to the complexity of this high-octane pour.
Palate: Each sip opens with the syrupy sweetness of cocktail cherries but is then bolstered by the addition of leather, cinnamon, and charred red peppers. The mouthfeel of 2023’s George T. Stagg is exceptionally viscous and packs a proofy punch which, once it settles down, serves to introduce a broad range of robust flavors.
Finish: The finish contains a faint bit of smokiness and barrel char to go with a bold flourish of black pepper and toffee. Each taste lingers long after the last sip. That said, this is a bourbon that truly rewards extended savoring.
Bottom Line:
“Let It Burn” is a song that hopefully deals with the need to embrace change, using fire as a metaphor for fresh starts and espousing a belief in a “golden lining” following the flames. If there’s a single bourbon that will cause you to feel the burn in the best way possible, it’s George T. Stagg.
8. “My Fault” feat. Noah Cyrus with Starlight Double Oaked Bourbon
In “My Fault” with Noah Cyrus, Shaboozey can be found commiserating with a friend on the verge of giving up. He takes turns blaming himself and the universe for the pain while Noah Cyrus chimes in that it might be easier to begin forgetting the memories. It’s a song where, again, bourbon is mentioned, but the sobering subject matter is heartfelt and takes center stage here.
The Whiskey:
This double-oaked variation on Starlight’s flagship bourbon is bottled at a higher proof (103) and undergoes a secondary cask maturation, which adds depth to their standard distillate.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Toffee and toasted oak emerge out of the glass at first as the impression of the secondary cask works its magic. There are also hints of stone fruit, like peaches and apples, along with a touch of custard on the nose.
Palate: The palate features bold splashes of the stone fruits from the nosing notes, which are accented by toasted oak, butterscotch, and French vanilla. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, which is ideal as it doesn’t distract from the light, sweet, tasting notes present in the liquid.
Finish: The finish is medium-length and leaves you with the gentle sweetness of toasted oak. A bit of marshmallow and earthy woodsiness persist through the end of every sip.
Bottom Line:
The secondary maturation and the bump in proof in this whiskey help it to stand up to your palate in the same way Shaboozey and Noah Cyrus hope to see their friend/partner stand up to the pains that haunt them. While blaming things on the stars skirts the accountability of those looking to numb their pain in a bottle, following the stars can also be a metaphor for holding your head high and looking upward. Starlight whiskey is a perfect match for such a metaphor.
9. “Vegas” with Smoke Wagon Uncut/Unfiltered Bourbon Whiskey
We’ve got a two-for-one in this pairing, as Shaboozey mentions both “whiskey” and “smoke” while laying out his regrets about his Devil-may-care attitude toward his life of late. Following a “pretty lady” out of town and finding himself among the “low vibrations” and reminiscing on some of his hardships, he expresses the need for an escape from his escape. It’s an eminently relatable song about picking up the pieces when the risks you take don’t pan out quite as you planned them.
The Whiskey:
Smoke Wagon’s Uncut/Unfiltered expression is the bottle that put them on the map. Released in small batch blends, this particular bottle is batch 184A and features bourbon sourced from Indiana and aged between their distillery of origin and Las Vegas.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Plum skin, cinnamon bark, and young oak hit the nose for a blend that really works well here. There’s also a certain dusty aspect to this whiskey that is as surprising as it is welcome. Further notes of green grape and sunscreen continue the surprises — both in that they’re atypical nosing notes and that they actually work well to elevate the sum of the parts.
Palate: Caramel, barrel char, and green grapes inform the palate, along with a healthy dose of black pepper. The flavor of charred red pepper comes across, as well as the robust mouthfeel finds every corner of the palate and seeps into your tongue.
Finish: The finish has chocolate pretzels and sage in spades, and it closes with barrel char for a medium-length finish that puts a lovely bow on the unusual assortment of flavors.
Bottom Line:
If you’re going to “live your life like it was one big Vegas,” then you’re going to need Sin City’s best bourbon by your side to drown out any doubts that arise. Luckily, Smoke Wagon’s Uncut/Unfiltered expression hits the spot whether you’re acting the part or simply nodding your head along to this song and living vicariously through Shaboozey.
10. “Drink Don’t Need No Mix” feat. BigXthaPlug with Mary Dowling Bourbon Whiskey Finished In Tequila Barrels
The song with the most hip-hop vibes on the entire album features emerging rapper BigXthePlug. It sees the two exchanging verses about getting faded on an alcohol-infused adventure through downtown Nashville. BigX calls out their respective preferences, saying he “stays lit off tequila, Shaboozey wants whiskey, we tipsy and want every girl if she’s pretty.”
The Whiskey:
Aged for over 3 years and then finished in Reposado tequila barrels, this unique whiskey comes from Mary Dowling and is distilled by Rabbit Hole in Kentucky. The brand itself was created to honor one of the most interesting figures in the whiskey world, Mary Dowling, who is famous for moving her distilling operation south of the border during Prohibition. To honor that legacy, the brand decided to finish bourbon whiskey in barrels from Mexico’s most famous alcohol export.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Lavender, roasted marshmallows, and toasted corn with butter and salt can be found on this particularly expressive nose. It also has a slightly youthful aspect, though that’s not a knock against it, as that plays well with the tequila barrel finish and allows some of the agave syrup to come through. Given some time in the glass, a bit of golden raisin and candied ginger also creeps into the nosing notes.
Palate: Star anise, toasted corn, and black tea come barreling across the palate with this whiskey. Black pepper soon blossoms and takes root at the roof of the mouth. It is notably drying at midpalate, causing you to salivate courtesy of the vegetal undertones and healthy helping of baking spice at midpalate. It also has an austere mouthfeel, coming across as clean and lean.
Finish: The finish is full of golden delicious apple skin and black pepper, and it’s pretty brief, which thins out the mouthfeel.
Bottom Line:
BigX is on tequila, Boozey is on whiskey, and neither of them needs a mix, so why not combine the best of both worlds in a single sip? Not only is this unique whiskey worth exploring on its own but there isn’t a single bottle of alcohol on shelves that pairs more perfectly with “Drink Don’t Need No Mix.”
11. “Steal Her From Me” with Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch B524
Acknowledging the ephemeral nature of modern romance, Shaboozey weaves a tale in this song about another man’s lover falling for him and the inevitability of her soon falling for someone else. Crooning that “karma she’ll hunt you down, this town here is full of thieves…” it’s a song that espouses the age-old wisdom that “what comes around, goes around.”
The Whiskey:
Aged for 6-8 years, Heaven Hill’s Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon is their premier wheated bourbon offering. With a backstory that honors John E. Fitzgerald, a treasury agent with a reputation for stealing some of his favorite barrels of whiskey out of bonded warehouses, this whiskey is the perfect match for this song. The B524 batch is new for spring 2024, with “B” representing the second batch of the year, “5” representing that it came out in the month of May, and “24” standing for the year it was released.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Immediately nutty, with the aroma of fudge, brown sugar, and walnuts wafting out of the glass, this is a nose that reminds you of Snickers ice cream bars. That’s as opposed to the candy bar because there’s also a bit of oak and vanilla ice cream hanging in the air along with a streak of oak.
Palate: The palate sees the oak influence ratcheted up as dark chocolate and nougat notes rest on a bed of peanuts. The ABV can certainly be felt as a heavy punch of alcohol hits at midpalate and persists through the finish of this flavorful and well-refined whiskey.
Finish: The finish of this chewy whiskey is marked by black pepper and candied peanuts, along with a surprising bit of lavender and lemon zest, which helps to brighten each sip and add a bit of nuance.
Bottom Line:
Larceny Barrel Proof Batch B524 fits the bill for “Steal Her From Me” thanks to the fact they both share an overarching theme of thievery, but it really helps that the high ABV will dull the blow of having your partner stolen. Thankfully, an elevated proof point won’t be the only thing keeping you company, as the sweet Snickers tasting notes in this bourbon will also sweeten the deal and help you forget about the (stolen) love that you lost.
On the closing track of Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going Shaboozey wrestles with the pressures of his newfound fame, fearful of returning to obscurity and “staring down the whiskey” wondering whether he’ll have to sell his soul to maintain the popularity he fought so hard to achieve. Ultimately, he’s made peace not only with the journey that led him here but also with whatever fate may await him, ending the album with the line, “I’m glad it’s finally over.” For Shaboozey, this is certainly the end of the beginning.
The Whiskey:
Wild Turkey 101 is the brand’s flagship expression, and it is ubiquitous on back bars across the country. The bottle’s new packaging was released in early 2021, but Master Distiller Jimmy Russell prides himself on this expression above all others because its flavor profile has remained consistent for decades.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Caramel, almond extract, and orange rind are featured heavily on the nose of this whiskey. Given some time to rest, you’ll also pick up notes of buttercream with an orange zest, nutmeg, and a bit of dried cranberries.
Palate: On the palate, that interplay of citrus zest, baking spice, and dried cranberries comes fully into view. A bit of cinnamon and caramel add elements of sweetness to each sip, and though the mouthfeel is fairly lean, it features a nice punchiness at 101 proof that keeps you cognizant of the fact that this is fine bourbon whiskey.
Finish: The finish is where the sizzle of alcohol ratchets up a notch, giving an indication of how Wild Turkey 101 got its reputation as a raucous pour for rowdy imbibers. That said, the finish isn’t remarkable, but as it ends off with caramel and baking spice, it encourages you to line up another pour and go in for a second glass.
Bottom Line:
Wild Turkey 101 is perhaps the quintessential American whiskey. Pouring bourbon in your glass comes with a set of expectations that Wild Turkey 101 is perfectly suited to live up to — caramel, oak, baking spice — sure, but also a proofy bite and a solid finish that warms your chest and fills you up with liquid courage. As you listen to Shaboozey, reckon with his journey toward stardom and contemplate the choices that led you to your current position in life — acceptance is key, and courage is probably necessary. That’s why Wild Turkey 101 is the perfect whiskey to pour while you take stock of the fact that where you’ve been isn’t where you’re going.
Rap beef is serious business. The long-simmering animosity between two of rap’s biggest stars, Drake and Kendrick Lamar, has finally come to a head — resulting in scathing diss tracks, countless memes, and even some violent real-world consequences. Because the verbal conflict has taken a bit of a dark turn, it’s probably advisable that all parties involved have a drink or two.
Yes, Kendrick is known to mostly abstain from alcohol and Drake has famously dubbed himself “Champagne Papi,” but the occasion really seems to call for bourbon. And one with some edge.
Bourbon’s boldness pairs perfectly with the brashness of the barbs each emcee sent to his opponent. And spirits are really best appreciated when they match the mood you’re trying to set. While the conflict is at a temporary standstill, you’re probably looking to catch up on every twist and turn, and there’s truly no better way to absorb all the animus and keep score than with the perfect pour.
Follow along for the best bourbons to pair with every Drake and Kendrick Lamar diss track.
Prior to Kendrick Lamar’s now-infamous “Control” verse, he and Drake seemingly shared a pretty warm relationship. That all soured when this song was released back in August of 2013. Mentioning Drake by name — among several other of his contemporaries — Kendrick challenged the entire rap game by saying, “What is competition? I’m tryna raise the bar high. Who tryna jump and get it? You’re better off tryna skydive.”
The Whiskey: Booker’s Springfield Batch, 2024-01
Booker’s is infamous for being the very first barrel-proof bourbon to hit the market in 1988. At the time it was an incredibly bold move, but it set the stage for the trend toward ever-higher ABV’s in American whiskey that persist today. Booker’s Springfield Batch 2024-01 is the first release from the brand in 2024 and will be followed by three more batches this year.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Marked by a floral aspect at first before exhibiting the trademark hazelnut quality that Booker’s is known for, this is a high-heat pour that doesn’t nose like it.
Palate: Once tasted, the interplay of floral flavors and nutty notes are elevated by the emergence of oak tones, allspice, and brown sugar.
Finish: The finish finds even more allspice and a touch of sage as the floral notes begin to crest and take control of the tasting experience.
Bottom Line:
This is the perfect pairing because only Booker’s can match Kendrick’s boldness in releasing “Control” back in 2013 when that particular class of rap stars was much more friend than foe.
Kendrick Lamar “Like That” with Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
Yes, there were several thinly veiled shots exchanged between the rappers in the interim between “Control” and “Like That”, but while he didn’t actually say Drake’s name on this record — it was his most direct diss in over a decade making this the natural follow up to that first shot. In the song, Kendrick spurned the olive branch that Drake’s new bestie, J. Cole, extended on their collaboration “First Person Shooter.” In that song, J. Cole claimed that then rap game’s “Big 3” included himself, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar.
Rejecting the praise, on “Like That” Kendrick said “motherf*** the Big 3…it’s just big me.” which set the ball in motion for this recent back and forth.
The Whiskey: Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
Blanton’s is known as “the Original Single Barrel Bourbon” and as such it’s become one of the most wildly popular bourbons on the market today. Each bottle is the product of a single barrel, meaning each bottle will taste slightly different.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The aroma of candied maple, caramel, and vanilla ice cream jumps out of the glass right away. The mellow sweetness plays well against a backdrop of well-aged oak and fresh clove.
Palate: On the palate Blanton’s has a mellow baking spice presence, with clove and cinnamon leading the way, and rich caramel rounding things out. Nuance is provided by supporting sweet flavors like vanilla ice cream, brown sugar, and flaky pastry notes.
Finish: On the finish is where the gentle oak tones become most evident and they gently recede with the help of gooey butterscotch.
Bottom Line:
“Like That” is an upbeat song that became Future, Kendrick, and Metro Boomin’s first number-one single, and likewise Blanton’s is a runaway success too. The song is a bit light on lyrical sparring and Blanton’s is a bit light in the ABV department, making it easy to enjoy how fun both of them are.
A low-quality version of Drake’s diss “Push Ups” initially leaked online on April 13th but in April 19th it was released in fully polished CDQ form. On the song, Drake took Kendrick Lamar to task but also directed some of that heat at The Weeknd, Metro Boomin, and Rick Ross for their respective slights.
The Whiskey: Elmer T. Lee
Elmer T. Lee is the man most often credited with “inventing” single-barrel bourbon. While Blanton’s was released first, due to its runaway success the Buffalo Trace Distillery decided to release Elmer T. Lee soon thereafter.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Honey, graham crackers, and wood chips are the notes most evident on the nose. It’s generally restrained, but very focused on those three well-refined notes.
Palate: On the palate there’s plenty of honey-drizzled baklava to go with a touch of toffee, white peach, and youthful oak.
Finish: The finish is short, but reiterates the sweetness found first on the nose and again on the front end of the palate.
Bottom Line:
While it wasn’t the strongest call to arms in the war-of-the-words, “Push Ups” signaled that the battle was on. Following up the commercial success of “Like That” was no easy task, and made more difficult by the still-unexplained leak of “Push Ups” but you can argue that Drake was simply emulating the lightness of Kendrick’s jabs with this one.
That’s similar to how Elmer T. Lee is a light follow-up to Blanton’s.
Drake “Taylor Made Freestyle” with Hancock’s President’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
The Diss: “Taylor Made Freestyle” April 19th, 2024
Suddenly anxious to engage in the battle that Kendrick Lamar started over a decade prior, Drake took the “Back to Back” route by releasing “Taylor Made Freestyle” shortly after the official release of “Push Ups” hit the web. He raised a few ethical concerns by utilizing AI to use Tupac and Snoop Dogg’s voices in verses for the song.
The Whiskey:
Hancock’s President’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is, to many people, a retread of Elmer T. Lee which itself is a retread of Blanton’s. All three bourbons feature the same mash bill at varying proof points and in the same single-barrel format.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Hancock’s has a touch of nuttiness and a bit more earthiness than its two contemporaries but still showcases notes of maple, honey, and vanilla extract on the nose.
Palate: On the palate this bourbon tacks a bit austere, with a lean mouthfeel. Some toasted coconut flakes can be found beneath the layer of caramel and youthful oak top notes.
Finish: On the finish there’s a bit of nuttiness that reemerges along with more youthful oak. Otherwise, it’s a rather straightforward sipper.
Bottom Line:
You could make the argument that producing Hancock’s is more trouble than it’s worth. Bourbon fans have warmly embraced both Blanton’s and Elmer T. Lee, but Hancock’s is the little brother that you pick for your team just because you’re friends with its more popular older brothers. Similarly, “Taylor Made Freestyle” was a tepid response that Drake eventually removed from the internet under the threat of legal action from Tupac Shakur’s estate.
Kendrick Lamar “euphoria.” with George T. Stagg Bourbon
The Diss: Kendrick Lamar “euphoria.” April 30th, 2024
The Whiskey: George T. Stagg Bourbon 2023
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Black cherry, rich oak, and Aleppo red pepper flakes come bursting out of the glass. Some molasses, brown sugar, and faintly mesquite notes add intriguing layers to the complexity of the aroma.
Palate: On the palate it begins with the syrupy sweetness of cocktail cherries but is then transformed by a touch of leather, cinnamon, and charred red peppers. The texture is viscous and full of high-octane which, once it settles down, serves to introduce a multitude of robust flavors.
Finish: The finish holds a faint bit of smokiness and barrel char to go with black pepper and a ton of toffee. It lingers long after the last sip which makes savoring it even more enjoyable.
Bottom Line:
George T. Stagg is often considered one of the best, if not the best, bourbons of all time. It is generally one of the boldest bourbons on the market each year and that reputation for exceptional quality and prototypical bourbon brashness has made it a classic in every way. In the same vein, Kendrick Lamar’s “euphoria.” is a scathing takedown that deserves a place among the best diss tracks in rap history — right up there with “Ether” and the West Coast classic, “Hit ‘Em Up.”
Kendrick Lamar “6:16 in LA” with Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon
The Diss: Kendrick Lamar “6:16 in LA” May 3rd, 2024
Taking a page right out of Drake’s playbook, Kendrick released two records back-to-back with “6:16 in LA” hitting his Instagram page in the early hours of May 3rd. Seen at the time as a “bait” record, intended to goad Drake into rushing a response and preempt a more pointed attack, “6:16 in LA” is a strong diss track and a quietly impressive song in its own right.
The Whiskey: Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon
Rare Breed is a batched evergreen product for Wild Turkey. Clocking in at a hefty 116.8 proof, Rare Breed was Wild Turkey’s triumphant answer to the rising popularity of barrel-proof bourbon.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Honeysuckle, bright red cherries, and cinnamon rolls serve to delight the senses after a single whiff of Rare Breed. Given some time to sit, you’ll find well-aged oak, clove, nutmeg, and toasted almonds all elevate the aroma profile of this bourbon.
Palate: The flavors in this whiskey are very clear and well-developed with each of the nosing notes coming through on the palate. Those flavors are bolstered by a bit of cooked apple and pie shell for a robust yet clearly defined cavalcade of flavors.
Finish: Lengthy and lingering, the finish on Rare Breed is deceptively delicious in that it deftly balances sweetness and spice — leaving you wondering which one will last the longest. The answer is typically the spice.
Bottom Line:
For the song “6:16 in LA” Kendrick Lamar achieved several feats at once — laying a trap, producing a high-quality record, and applying real pressure on his opponent in a single swoop. For its part, Rare Breed Bourbon also proves to check a lot of boxes. Rare Breed is a display in exceptional quality — capable of beating bourbons three times the price in blind tastings — but it’s also a case study for affordability and availability with its sub-$100 price point and ubiquity on liquor store shelves making it such an underrated success.
Drake “Family Matters” with Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon
Facing a growing deficit, Drake swiftly responded to Kendrick’s early-morning assault with “Family Matters.” The beginning of the song was teased on the tail end of “Push Ups” indicating that Drake was indeed prepared for what would come but the impressive diss track also incorporated plenty of new information and some direct responses to “euphoria.” and “6:16 in LA.”
The Whiskey: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch A124
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon is often seen as the standard bearer for high-quality, well-aged, cask-strength bourbon. The A124 Batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof was aged for 10 years and 9 months — an all-time low for the expression — but at 119 proof it still packs plenty of heat.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: A medley of walnuts, brown sugar, and clove make up the key aroma notes in this bourbon. Given a few waves of the hand, the ethanol dissipates and further aromas of cinnamon and vanilla fill the air.
Palate: On the palate is where the brown sugar and walnuts really make their presence felt. Balancing that earthiness with some warm sugary notes works well and leaves enough room for some slight herbaceousness and baking spice — think cumin and bay leaves — to punch through.
Finish: On the finish is where those baking spice notes like black pepper, cumin, and bay leaves become more evident, along with the punch of ethanol that warms your chest after each sip. There’s also a gentle kiss of cinnamon and baked apple on the finish that makes it enjoyable to revisit time and time again.
Bottom Line:
Despite the fact that it isn’t as harmonious as previous releases of Elijah Craig — with the stellar C923 batch coming to mind — Batch A124 still lives up to its reputation as an exceptional cask-strength bourbon. Likewise, Drake’s “Family Matters” is a bit unfocused — as he continued to take the “20 v. 1” sentiment that he mentioned on “Push Ups” to heart. He ceded precious ground in the beef by taking on so many opponents at once — reserving almost equal venom for his former collaborator, The Weeknd, as he does for Kendrick Lamar.
That said, “Family Matters” does an admirable job of protecting his reputation while taking fresh digs at Kendrick Lamar’s credibility.
Kendrick Lamar “Meet The Grahams” with Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon
The Diss: Kendrick Lamar “Meet The Grahams” May 3rd, 2024
The third(!) diss track of the day, “Meet The Grahams” was released less than an hour after Drake’s “Family Matters.” On the hard-hitting, low-tempo track, Kendrick takes aim at Drake’s family, hurls his ugliest accusations yet, and goes so far as to wish death on his Canadian counterpart. He also proved that his previous diss track “6:16 in LA” was indeed a well-laid trap, though aspects of the song’s veracity have since been called into question.
The Whiskey: Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Leather and cinnamon bark really lead the way on the nose of this bourbon and they’re supported by the scent of buttered croissants and date syrup.
Palate: The flavors in Frey Ranch Farm Strength Bourbon really scream “boldness.” There’s corn pudding, tropical fruit chunks, and tobacco leaf but there’s also a heavy dose of ethanol which takes some getting used to. In addition to that intriguing array of flavors, there’s a truly robust and viscous texture to the bourbon that forces you to sit up and dissect it.
Finish: On the finish there’s even more heat as charred red pepper skin fuses with honey and more grain-forward corn notes.
Bottom Line:
Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon is deceptively challenging, with corn-forward sweetness on the front end masking the heavy dose of ethanol and surprising depth of flavor found at midpalate and on the finish. Frey Ranch’s Farm Strength offering makes for such a perfect pairing with Kendrick Lamar’s “Meet The Grahams” because it is undeniably complex and deeply tied to the concept of family.
The family behind Frey Ranch Distillery has been farming since 1854 and distilling for 20 years, and all of that experience is on display in every bottle of their unique grain-forward bourbons.
Kendrick Lamar “Not Like Us” with Redwood Empire Cask Strength Pipe Dream Bourbon
As the latest diss in the ongoing battle, “Not Like Us” called Drake’s alliance with Atlanta rap artists into question over a booming beat that showcases the signature California rap sound. Reminiscent of an N.W.A. record from the 90’s, Kendrick’s embrace of the regional sound on the catchy track resulted in commercial success with the song breaking Spotify’s streaming record by becoming the most streamed American hip-hop song in a single day with 6.59 million streams.
The Whiskey: Redwood Empire Cask Strength Pipe Dream Bourbon
Redwood Empire’s Cask Strength Pipe Dream Bourbon is aged for a minimum of 4 years and takes the brand’s already excellent bourbon and raises the stakes courtesy of an increase in ABV.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Aromas like toffee, barrel char, and the leather from a baseball glove are immediately evident on the nose. There’s a touch of smokiness hiding in the background as well as some caramel that emerges after a few swirls in the glass.
Palate: On the palate there’s a lovely green apple note to go with honeyed pecans, aged oak notes, and accents of nutmeg.
Finish: The finish on this whiskey doubles down with more baking spice and oak before relenting with some of the toffee from the nose and a sweet albeit slightly tart green apple note to close.
Bottom Line:
As the final nail in the coffin (for the time being) “Not Like Us” proved to be a surprise hit with the thumping West Coast production from DJ Mustard resonating with many fans. The best bourbon produced in California, Redwood Empire’s Cask Strength Pipe Dream, is not only fiery and full-bodied, but through the brand’s Trees For The Future initiative, they also give back and elevate their local community.
With Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” firmly planting the flag for the classic California sound, it can be said that he’s also elevating the region that has strongly supported him throughout his career. Though there were also scattershot disses from the likes of J. Cole, Rick Ross, and Metro Boomin — whose #BBLDrizzy challenge inspired a host of inventive covers — the spirited clash is at a standstill…for now.
Kylie Jenner is the youngest of her sisters, but that hasn’t stopped her from amassing a net worth most can only dream of. Not only does the mother of two occasionally appear on the family’s reality show (which she’s been a part of since childhood), but she also has several brands, including Kylie Cosmetics, Skin, and Baby who’ve launched countless products over the years to help amass her fortune. As Daily Mail reports, Jenner’s attorneys trademarked her name for dozens of items in June 2019. Among them were “spirits; liquor; wine; alcoholic cocktail mixes; prepared alcoholic cocktail and prepared wine cocktails.” Interestingly, it wasn’t until February 2023 when an application for Sprinter, her new hard seltzer line came in. As the outlet notes, this is being perceived as a direct shot at her baby daddy, Travis Scott, who’s planning to re-launch his Cacti drinks later this month.
La Flame filed a trademark for his hard beverage in June 2020 and launched it in March 2021, amid his relationship with Jenner. Following backlash from that year’s Astroworld Festival Tragedy, production ceased, leaving fans thirsty for more. Cacti 2.0 is arriving on shelves on March 15, not long before his ex’s Sprinter drinks will go on sale (March 21). “Kylie ripped his idea plain and simple,” a source, allegedly close to Scott, told the outlet.
“It wasn’t until they split that she got serious about this and she did it out of spite,” they further pointed out. “At the time when Kylie’s team got this trademarked, they got everything trademarked. She requested a trademark for dozens of products – leaving it open to creating any kind of business she wanted in the future.”
Seeing as they’re raising two kids together, it’s entirely possible that Stormi and Aire’s parents aren’t beefing at all, and are simply trying to corner all angles of the market. Of course, knowing their bumpy past, it’s hard to say what’s going on behind the scenes. Who do you think will have a better-tasting alcoholic drink, Travis Scott, or his ex, Kylie Jenner? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more music/pop culture news updates.
Nardo Wick is the latest artist to appear on the YouTube series, 50 Women vs 1 Rapper. In doing so, he was labeled “boring” by one of the girls due to his refusal to drink alcohol or do drugs. At one point in the show, which features women interviewing rappers as prospective partners and voting “yes” or “no,” a girl dressed in white asked Wick about his drug and alcohol consumption.
“Do you drink liquor?” the woman asked, to which Wick responded: “Nah, no, not really, it depends, like on occasion with my momma and sh*t. Like if she give me a shot, I’ll throw that, but no, I don’t drink for real.” She then asked: “With your momma? So when you out doing hostings and sh*t?” Wick answered: “No” and the girl replied: “Okay, so you just a boring a** n***a.” She added: “I like a n***a that I can have fun with.”
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 05: Rapper Nardo Wick performs onstage during day 3 of Rolling Loud Los Angeles at Hollywood Park Grounds on March 05, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
“You ain’t gotta do drugs to have fun,” Wick argued during the segment. From there, they discussed having kids and the woman eventually voted yes to Nardo. The rapper previously discussed his sobriety during a 2022 interview with DJ Akademiks on the Off The Record podcast, revealing that he was around drugs from a young age. “I been around this sh*t my whole life since I can remember,” Nardo said. “I’m four or five, and my uncles cooking crack and I’m asking what that is… A circle of crack, and they like, ‘A grown-up cookie.’ It’s always been in me. My mom was really street, and my daddy was serving.”
The French Blonde falls into the early aughts resurgence of cocktail culture — the key giveaway is the use of elderflower liqueur St. Germain. Beyond that, the drink is a shaker that’s part Red Head, part Greyhound, and 100% fresh thanks to vibrant grapefruit juice and dry gin. It’s also not to be confused with the Parisian Blonde which is more akin to a Brandy Alexander (so cream-based).
Since this is a new fav of Swift, I thought I’d break down how to make the tasty cocktail below. Admittedly, this is a kind of fussy cocktail. Some of the ingredients are a tad harder to find and a trip to a very good liquor store will be in order (I link to everything hard to find below for delivery too). Fussiness aside, this is a very tasty, light yet deep, and balanced cocktail that’s — thankfully — not overly sweet.
Let’s dive in!
Also Read: The Top Five Cocktail Recipes of the Last Six Months
Bombay London Dry Gin is a great cocktail gin that’s both affordable and available pretty much everywhere. St. Germain (elderflower liqueur) should also be available at most decent liquor stores in large 750ml, 375ml, and small 200ml bottles. Since this is a pretty niche additive for cocktails, I’d recommend grabbing the smaller bottle so that it doesn’t just sit on your shelf for months (or years).
Or, if you’re a huge Swift fan, grab the big bottle and go all in.
Lillet Blanc is a French aperitif that’s in the same vein as fortified wines like vermouth (and it’s usually used in the same way in cocktails). In a pinch, you can use dry vermouth, but you won’t be getting the same subtle sweetness and hint of bitter quinine. Plus, a good liquor store should carry Lillet.
Lastly, there’s the lemon bitters. Only really good full-service liquor stores will carry this. So you might want to just order it online and save a trip to, like, all the liquor stores in your town searching for it.
Zach Johnston
What You’ll Need:
Coupe (prechilled)
Cocktail shaker
Cocktail strainer
Jigger
Fine mesh strainer
Paring knife
Hand juicer
Zach Johnston
Method:
Add the gin, Lillet, St. Germain, grapefruit juice, and bitters to a cocktail shaker. Add a large handful of ice, affix the lid, and then shake vigorously until the cocktail shaker is ice-cold to touch.
Fetch the glass from the freezer and double strain (with the cocktail strainer and fine mesh strainer) into the cocktail glass.
Express the oils from the grapefruit peel over the glass and discard. Serve.
Bottom Line:
Zach Johnston
This is bright and super refreshing, which is a great feel for January sipping. It’s a great change of pace from the heavy winter cocktails that dominate the colder months, and it kind of feels like a good low(ish) alcohol cocktail for a “damp” January.
The grapefruit and lemon bitters make this cocktail pop on the palate. It’s truly vibrant in every way. The gin is there with a fleeting sense of botanicals, but it is never overpowering — you barely get juniper at all.
The overall vibe is soft yet bright and well-balanced between bitter, botanical, herbal, and barley sweetened — the sweetness only comes through with the Lillet and grapefruit (which is one of the sweeter citruses). For my palate, I have to say — it’s a pretty nice sipper.
Hidden Track: Vodka Diet Coke
So this — vodka and Diet Coke — is classically considered Taylor Swift’s favorite cocktail. Watch the video above again. She clearly actually drinks this. Which… are celebrities keeping Diet Coke alive? Why not Coke Zero? I digress.
Anyway, this is a super easy highball that anyone can make in an instant.
Ingredients:
2 oz. vodka
4 oz. Diet Coke
Ice
Lemon wedge
These are easily sourceable ingredients from any store.
Zach Johnston
What You’ll Need:
Highball glass
Jigger
Paring knife
Straw
Method:
Fill the highball glass with ice. Pour the vodka over the ice and top with Diet Coke.
Slice a wedge from a lemon and pop it on the glass with a straw. Serve.
Bottom Line:
Zach Johnston
Okay, bear with me. I like this a lot more than the French Blonde. There’s something that vodka does to amp up the Diet Coke that just works. It’s fresh and vibrant while feeling like a sneaky treat with a hint of alcohol lurking beneath it all. You get the loving feel of the Coke without that acrid Diet Coke taste, which feels kind of like a magic trick. I can see drinking these all the time as end-of-day relaxation highballs, weekend brunch sippers, or just in general — which is saying a lot as I famously hate Diet Coke.
Chris Stapleton has become a country music icon over the last decade. He’s also carved out a deep following in the whiskey community as well. Over the last couple of years, Stapleton has partnered with Buffalo Trace Distillery to release single-barrel picks of E.H. Taylor, Jr. Bourbon that have raised tons of cash for charities. They’ve also been excellent whiskeys. This week, Buffalo Trace and Stapleton took their partnership to the next level and (finally) released a new whiskey brand — Traveller Whiskey.
There’s a lot to get into here. First, almost anything new from Buffalo Trace — which also makes iconic labels like Pappy Van Winkle, Weller, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and so many more — creates rabid excitement amongst whiskey fans. Second, Stapleton has the perfect level of cool that appeals to everyday music lovers and whiskey drinkers. So this collaboration leaned into exactly that with an American Blended Whiskey at a great price point.
Long story short, Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and Stapleton tasted through 50 different blends before landing on the perfect one for Traveller Whiskey. The best part, this bottle only costs $39. And so far, that price is holding at retail. That’s kind of exciting from a distillery that historically drops whiskey that can cost hundreds of times more than their suggested retail.
So what’s in the bottle exactly? Let’s dive in and answer that!
Also Read: The Top 5 UPROXX Bourbon Posts Of The Last Six Months
This new whiskey from Buffalo Trace is the summation of years of collaboration between Country icon Chris Stapleton and Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. After testing 50 different blends, this is the one that landed. The whiskey in the bottle is a special blend of Buffalo Trace rye and bourbons that hit just the right note for Stapleton’s whiskey palate.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose leans into rich Buffalo Trace bourbon with a deep vanilla buttercream over soft spiced brandied cherries just kissed with dark chocolate and old oak staves with a whisper of salted caramel.
Palate: That caramel has a hint of sweet corn to it on the palate before the vanilla rushes back in with a creamy lusciousness and layers of winter spices, orchard barks, and musty barrel houses — classic Buffalo Trace.
Finish: The end warms nicely for a moment with plenty of woody winter spice and a touch of grassy rye notes before the lush vanilla, cherry, and oak finish lingers for just the right amount of time.
Bottom Line:
This is a solid new utility whiskey. It works well as a sipper over some rocks or in a cocktail. Think of it as a solid table whiskey to have around for everyday pours after a hard day of work.
Ranking:
88/100: Solid B+!
Where To Buy:
As of now, this whiskey is readily available online at most retailers for its actual MSRP. That was the hope for Stapleton and the brand. This is meant to be an everyday sipper for his fans — and his fans need to be able to buy it for that to happen.
During a recent interview with Zane Lowe, Russ opened up about his previous alcohol consumption. Apparently, that’s what could have led to some of his previous controversies. He revealed that he used substances to mask his insecurities, claiming that eventually, it just felt normal to him. It soon got out of hand, however, and he began to feel the need to drink before interviews.
“I was drinking a lot, and it was just because when I first started making music, that’s what it was,” he began. “The studio was a party. You’re smoking weed, you’re drinking. And so I would drink when I was in the studio. It just felt normal. It felt regular.” Russ went on, “But then I was drinking before interviews, and that’s how a lot of those interviews went left. I was pretty hammered in some of them. Because it’s all that’s coming out, but I never had a problem. I wasn’t waking up and like, ‘I need a drink.’ I would just drink in certain situations, but that in and of itself was an issue.”
“And it was easier to just do that than actually be authentic and be like, ‘You know what? I am nervous, I am feeling insecure, I am all these things,’” Russ shared. “And now it’s, yeah. I’m not rigid to the point where it’s like, ‘I will not drink.’ It’s, ‘I’ll have a drink whenever I want to have a drink.’ It’s just now I don’t want to have a drink when I wanted to have a drink back then.”
He went on to explain that he’s been able to maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol since slowing down, which has helped him come into a more real version of himself. It looks to be paying off, as his new album SANTIAGO has so far been a success. Recently, it even got the approval of Dr. Dre. Russ shared a clip of the duo nodding along to “Enough” in the studio. “A big part of this album is about validating yourself and chasing your own approval,” he captioned the post. “But I can’t lie DR DRE APPROVAL FEELS GOOD AS F*CK!!!!“
Fans were pretty surprised when Jennifer Lopez recently announced the launch of a new alcohol brand in her name. She’s long been vocal about being booze-free, or at least that’s what some fans thought. According to TMZ, which she didn’t drink early in her career, she’s come around to enjoying a cocktail now and then. In a new Instagram video, she shouted out her new spritzer line DELOLA. She also took the time to defend her choice to launch an alcohol brand. Her primary defense being that while she enjoys a drink sometimes, she never gets “sh*t-faced.”
Another reason fans had some questions about her decision relates to Ben Affleck. Ben has dealt with alcoholism on and off for years including a few high-profile stints in rehab. Fans were surprised that J-Lo would get involved in a venture with something that’s caused Ben so much trouble. For the record Ben doesn’t seem to mind it. He’s said publicly that it doesn’t involve him and the entire family seemed perfectly in sync over the weekend.
Jennifer Lopez Stands Up For Her Alcohol Brand
Jennifer Lopez has had her hand’s in quite a bit recently. Earlier this year she surprised fans by taking on a role in an action movie. Lopez plays the lead in the Netflix film The Mother. The movie turned out to be a smash success and stayed as the top movie on Netflix for a full month after its original release. It was a pleasant turn for the film after what looked like a fight between Lopez and Ben Affleck on the red carpet.
Lopez turned heads a few weeks ago when she posted a pic of Ben Affleck for Father’s Day. It wasn’t just any photo of the actor, but a pretty steamy thirst trap. Some fans thought it was strange that on Father’s Day, Lopez was focusing more on hos Affleck looked than what type of dad he was. What do you think of Jennifer Lopez’ defense of her new alcohol brand? Let us know in the comment section below.
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