5 Celebrity Spirits That Are Actually Great—From Whiskey To Vodka

The story: To create this rye-forward whiskey (which the brand spells in the Scottish style without the “e”), Beyoncé partnered with Moët Hennessy and Master Distiller, Dr. Bill Lumsden, a renowned figure in the whiskey world who has been the head of distilling and whisky creation for Glenmorangie and Ardbeg distilleries for more than 25 years. Named in honor of Beyoncé’s moonshining great-grandfather Davis Hogue, SirDavis is inspired by Beyoncé’s love of Japanese whisky.

My take: Given Lumsden’s involvement it’s no surprise SirDavis is an excellent whiskey. Smooth and oaky, this won me over with its rich mouth feel and is quickly becoming a star of my liquor cabinet. In other words, I like it and I want to put a ring on it.

Jason Momoa’s Meili Vodka

The Story: Jason Momoa and his longtime friend, Blaine Halvorson, an iconic fashion designer, recently told me how they created Meili Vodka with the goal of returning vodka to its roots as a sipping spirit. To accomplish this, they went on a globetrotting search for a pure water source that would create an elite vodka. They found that source in the mountains of Montana thanks to a tip from Halvorson’s father.

My take: Super smooth with almost no alcohol burn Meili Vodka has an ultra-clean flavor. I get warm vanilla notes and really do, enjoy drinking this neat, which I can’t say for other vodkas.

Matthew Arkin’s Batch 22 Aquavit

The story: Actor Matthew Arkin told me in an interview for this story, that he first tasted aquavit in Eastern Europe during the 1970s while visiting his father, the late legendary actor Alan Arkin, on a film set. It was cold and in the middle of the night, Matthew explained. Then one of the crew members brought out a bottle of Aquavit. The herbaceous spirit traditionally made in and around Scandinavia was unlike anything Matthew ever tasted before and he was struck by its flavor and the way it inspired those who drank it. Many years later, during the pandemic with the support of his dad and the partnership of friends, Matthew honed an aquavit receipt and Batch 22 was born.

My take: Intriguing. Weird. Unforgettable. These are just a few of the words I’d use to describe this one-of-a-kind liquor that may not be for everyone but is perfect for an adventurous drinker looking for something different. I get notes of licorice that remind me somewhat of absinthe but my best advice is to try this with an open mind and prepare to take a walk on the wild side.

Bob Dylan’s Ascension Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The story: Bob Dylan founded Heaven’s Door Whiskey because he “wanted to create a collection of American Whiskeys that, in their own way, tell a story,” he says in promotional material for the whiskey company. The brand’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey blends two straight bourbons and is non-charcoal mellowed and non-chill filtered. It also, like all Heaven’s Door products, features an illustration on its bottle that is based on one of the metal doors Dylan crafts in his medal shop.

My Take: Bursting with grit and character this bourbon is a drink truly worthy of an American legend. The official tasting notes reference a finish of caramel, cinnamon and nutmeg. I don’t quite pickup on those spices personally, instead, I get a well-rounded Bourbon full of character, that really does remind me of Dylan’s music in all the best ways.

Mike Love’s Club Kokomo Spirits’ Artisanal White Rum

The Story: The secret to great music and drinks is often finding the right harmony between sounds or ingredients, Mike Love told me for a recent story. That search for harmonious flavors is at the heart of Club Kokomo Spirits started by Mike and his son Brian and inspired by the iconic Beach Boys song about an island oasis. For the brand, the Loves partnered with distiller Geoff Longenecker and Club Kokomo spirits are made at Seven Caves Spirits an artisan distillery in San Diego.

My take: A clean but interesting rum with some fruit and pleasant funk notes. I’m not a huge white rum sipper in general but I enjoy in a mojito. Whether neat or in a drink it’s a perfect vessel for cruising to your own personal Kokomo.

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