Two Whiskeys that ROCK!
& two you might ROLL past!
Rock and roll, country music and whiskey often go hand in hand symbolizing attitude, freedom, and a bit of rebellion. Many legendary musicians have been associated with whiskey either through their lyrics, lifestyle, or endorsements. From classic rock anthems to country music hits, whiskey has been a recurrent theme in much of the music industry.
When it comes to the liquid itself, there are several whiskey brands that have become intertwined with music culture, either through marketing or through their own rebellious roots. Jack Daniel’s, for instance, has long been associated with rock music, with its iconic label appearing in countless album covers and backstage scenes. Other brands like Jim Beam and Wild Turkey also have a strong presence in the country music world.
Whether you’re cranking up the volume on your favorite rock album or raising a glass with fellow fans at a concert, music and whiskey share a timeless connection that continues to inspire music lovers around the world.
Heaven’s Door
Bob Dylan
Heaven’s Door Whiskey is an award-winning collection of handcrafted American whiskeys co-created with the legendary musician Bob Dylan, Marc Bushala, former founder of Angel’s Envy Bourbon and current founder of Spirits Investment Partners, and Ryan Perry, a whiskey developer at Diageo. The brand is known for its unique blend of art and craft, with each bottle showcasing Dylan’s distinctive welded iron gates created in his studio, Black Buffalo Ironworks. The Heaven’s Door Distillery is set to open in Pleasureville, KY, and they also offer limited releases like the Bootleg Series, which showcases rare and unreleased whiskeys in collectible packaging.
Refuge Straight Rye Whiskey
92 proof – $69.99 SRP – Age: 6 Years
On the Nose: Notes of fruit, charred oak, and spice. The sherry cask finish adds a complexity that helps to bring out a lot of the fruit and oak notes forward.
On the Palate: Lots of rye spice notes up front as well as vanilla, dark fruit, honey, and a touch of chocolate on the finish.
Thoughts: Out of everything that I’ve tried from Heavens Door, this would by my favorite. I love how the combination of the spiciness marries and oak, marries with the sherry cask to bring our fruity chocolate notes. This is 100% a buy for me.
Blackened Whiskey
Metallica
From the website: BLACKENED® Whiskey is born from Metallica’s spirit of innovation, steeped in science, and honed by seasoned experts. Its award-winning portfolio of American whiskeys are uniquely finished and sonically-enhanced, using the BLACK NOISE™ process to extract more flavor from the wood, resulting in BLACKENED Whiskey’s signature taste. The recipe for our original expression was envisioned by our Founding Master Distiller Dave Pickerell and released in 2018. BLACKENED Whiskey is now crafted and propelled onward by category disruptor and Master Distiller & Blender Rob Dietrich.
Blackened Whiskey is a 90 proof blend of straight whiskey including bourbon, rye, and whiskey, finished in black brandy casks. Each release has a set list of Metallica music that is played to agitate the whiskey.
Blackened – The Original
90 proof – $52.99 SRP – Age: 5 Years
On the Nose: Up front you get a orange zest note mixed with a little caramel and oak.
On the Palate: Up front I got a lot of candy sweetness mixed with rye spice, dark fruit, followed by floral and vanilla notes
Thoughts: As someone who enjoys a good Rye whiskey, this is up my alley. Its sweet, spicy, and has a lot of character. For a 90 proof it does drink above its weight class. For me this is another buy.
Wolf Moon Bourbon Whiskey
Jason Aldean/Florida Georgia Line
Wolf Moon Bourbon is a straight bourbon whiskey that has been aged for four years. It’s a collaboration between country music artists Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line. The bourbon is sourced from an Indiana distillery, which is likely MGP Ingredients, and it’s aimed at being an affordable, easy-drinking whiskey suitable for social gatherings.
The name ‘Wolf Moon’ is inspired by the traditional January full moon, symbolizing the good times shared and to come, as well as the collaboration between the artists.
Wolf Moon Straight Bourbon Whiskey
80 proof – $36.99 SRP – Age: 4 Years
On the Nose: Light vanilla, caramel, slight ethanol burn on the nose.
On the Palate: Slight spice up front, vanilla, candy sweetness. Flavors are there one minute and gone the next. No finish at all. Water thin mouthfeel.
Thoughts: A very approachable whiskey for anyone getting into whiskey. Great to have if you are a fan of Jason Aldean or Florida Georgia Line. The downside for me is the experience. There just wasn’t one. If you are looking for a more complex whiskey at a lower budget, there are so many other offerings out that have a slightly higher proof that you can sip neat or will hold up mixing in a cocktail. (Old Forrester 100, Old Grand Dad, Evan Williams BIB) This will not be a buy again for me.
Traveller Whiskey
Chris Stapleton
From the Bottle: “Good whiskey is like a good song. It required no explanation. One taste should tell you everything you need to know. No one has to tell you how you feel about it. You simply settle in & enjoy.
For this first-of-its-kind collaboration from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Traveller brings together the collective artistry of Chris Stapleton and Master Distiller, Harlen Wheatley.
Blend No. 40 is the carefully curated result of countless hours of testing & tasting. It’s a completely unique combination of whiskeys from award winning distilleries and exactly what you’d expect, a premium whiskey that speaks for itself.”
Traveller Whiskey
90 proof – $39.99 SRP – Age: Non age stated
On the Nose: Sweet green apple jolly ranchers followed by a light fruit cup, honey and sweet corn. Ethanol burn on the nose is more prominent than the smell. All aromas hit you and leave you. Nothing that really last..
On the Palate: Youth corn note up front followed by a fruit cup syrup sweetness that once you drink it its gone.
Thoughts: Another great whiskey for a non whiskey drinker or a brand new whiskey drinker. Its easy to drink with lots of sweetness and no burn. Something that you can bring to a summer cook out….. as long as your friends aren’t whiskey fans. I think that most people who enjoy the flavors and complexity of a good whiskey, even some under this price point, would be better off looking for something else. There just isn’t much to this whiskey and isn’t something I would purchase again…… unless Chris Stapleton was going to sign it for me. Then I might buy two.
LETS START A CONVERSATION!!!
Have you tried any of these bottles? If so, what were your thoughts? What other musically inspired whiskey would you add to this list? Post them in the comment section below. You know I love conversation and will reply to you. As always, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Until the next Whiskey Wednesday, if you’re going to enjoy a little smoke & oak just remember, “Life’s too short, enjoy the good stuff…” and do it responsibly!
Charles Ruth