You wouldn’t imagine it: an increasing number of celebrities, sports personalities, and pop culture icons are launching their own liquor brands.
Some say they do it for the love of the soul. While they are not involved in distillation, many do have some input into the final flavor profiles. Others have partnered with well-known distilleries or major distillers to build their brands.
Of course, some see a promotional or investment opportunity. In the wake of celebrities like George Clooney selling Casamigos and Ryan Reynolds selling Aviation Gin for about $1 billion and $610 million respectively, both to Diageo, it’s no wonder more big names are considering getting into the game.
So what celebrity spirits projects are worth casting? Here are 10 bottles of famous stars that we rated with 90 points or higher.
Dwayne Johnson
Also known as “The Rock” from his days as a professional wrestler and heavyweight champion, Johnson is an actor with film credits that include jumanji, Multiple installments The Fast and the Furious franchise and Central Intelligence Among other things. In 2020, he co-founded the Teremana Tequila brand.
Terimana Anejo Tequila $40, 93 pips. The newest expression from the brand backed by Dwayne Johnson introduces the aromas of Jalapeno and Vanilla. Honey and butter coat the palate, and it is invigorated by fortifying cloves, cayenne pepper, and white pepper upon exit. The overall impression refers to a butter cake wrapped in oregano. Best buy. Buy on Drizly.
Matthew McConaughey
After the breakout role in the 1993 movie in a daze and bewilderment, In the 2000s, McConaughey became famous for romantic comedies such as marriage planner And How to lose a guy in 10 days. In 2016, he took over as Creative Director at Kentucky Wild Turkey, collaborating on Longbranch Bourbon with master distiller Eddie Russell.
Longbranch bourbon, $40, 92 points. Soft notes of maple, vanilla and a touch of dried cherry. The palate mirrors those flavors, bringing in a light blend of cloves and cinnamon spice. Adding water dilutes the flavor of the vanilla paste with a sprinkle of ginger and spices. It is filtered through mesquite coal from Texas. Buy on Drizly.
Bruno Mars
Singer-songwriter Mars owns a string of Grammy Award winning hit songs. He also has a stake in Panama-based rum maker SelvaRey, which makes white and aged rum as well as coconut- and chocolate-flavored rum. In an interview with Bloomberg, the “Uptown Funk” singer said he wanted to take the rum to a “funk” place.
Silvery Cocoa, $29, 90 pts. This dark, chocolate-flavored rum is soft and delicious, with a slightly nutty flavor and a dusty cocoa finish. Combine with cold espresso and coconut milk for an unforgettable coffee libation. Buy from Total Wine & More.
Dan Aykroyd
In 2008, actor, comedian and former Saturday Night Live Star Dan Aykroyd founded the Crystal Head vodka brand. The unforgettable skull bottles designed by John Alexander are inspired by the Day of the Dead celebrations that Alexander attended in Oaxaca, Mexico for several years. In 2020, the brand released an expression called Crystal Head Onyx, distilled from blue agave in Mexico.
Crystal Head Onyx Vodka, $55, 90 points. Bottled in a black skull-shaped bottle, this vodka is distilled from cactus. Expect faint honey notes on the nose and palate, resulting in distinct notes of coconut and cloves at the end. Buy on Wine.com.
Rita Ora
In 2019, Kosovo-born pop icon Ora took on the role of lead creative partner and contributor to Próspero. Although Tequila was made by Stella Anguiano, one of Tequila’s first distillers, at the Don Roberto Distillery in Jalisco, Ora said Wine lovers She’s more than just a spokeswoman for the brand.
Próspero Añejo Tequila $45 97 points. Intricate and fun, with an intriguing sweet and savory profile. Look for a lustrous golden color and the scent of jalapeño and dried oregano mixed with coconut, vanilla, and lemon peel. The palate opens with dried herbs and mild jalapeno heat, and fades into the long finish of coconut and vanilla cream, with the spice of the baking spice. In general, an excellent example of an añejo. Buy at Drizly.
Terry Bradshaw
Bradshaw Bourbon debuted in 2020 and is a collaboration between longtime Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kentucky whiskey maker Green River Distilling and Silver Screen Bottleding, a company specializing in liquors associated with television, movies, sports, games and music.
Bradshaw Bourbon, $40, 91 points. From former NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw, the two-year-old bourbon was filled with 51.9% “in recognition of Terry Bradshaw’s pass rate of the same number.” What’s in the bottle is full of roasted nuts and vanilla on the nose and palate, ending with hints of black pepper and thick smoke. Buy from Total Wine & More.
boats
Anglo-Irish punk band The Pogues owns 50% of this Irish whiskey (the other half belongs to Halewood International, a UK spirits brand). It was launched in the US in 2016, although earlier it was available in England and Ireland. The liquid is made by West Cork Distillers, an independent distillery in County Cork.
The Pogues Whiskey, $40, 91 points. The ‘Official Irish Whiskey of the Legendary Band’, this strong spirit is made at West Cork Distillers, one of the two remaining 100% independently owned and operated distilleries in Ireland. Aromas suggest a fruity core and a smoky scent. The palate also shows off smoky, as well as the richness of dried apricots and a mouthwatering salty finish. A blend of whiskeys aged 5 to 10 years. Best buy. Buy on Drizly.
Jay Z
In 2012, the rapper, mogul and owner of Champagne signed on as co-owner (with Bacardi) and face of D’Ussé, a Cognac brand launched as a competitor to Hennessy.
D’Ussé VSOP Cognac, $50, 91 points. This cognac offers a deep copper hue and a rich aroma of caramel and dried figs. The silky palate reflects the notes of dried fig, along with a port-like hint of red fruit, and ends remarkably with notes of cocoa, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Buy on Drizly.
Bob Dylan
In 2018, the famous singer-songwriter launched his whiskey brand which referred to his 1973 song Knocking on Heaven’s Gate. Co-founded with Marc Bushala, who also helped bring Angel’s Envy whiskey to market, the Tennessee-based brand sources whiskey from various locations in the United States. The collection includes bourbon, rye and a number of limited editions.
Heavens Door Double Barrel Whiskey, $50, 92 points. Look for a light scent that marries honey and oak. The palate leads to oak, then vanilla and warm dried apricots, with a long, warm and peppery finish. Adding water brings out the scents of honey and chamomile softer. Music lovers note: this brand was developed in collaboration with Bob Dylan. Buy on Drizly.
LeBron James
In 2020, Lakers basketball star LeBron James invested in Tequila and mezcal brand Lobos 1707, after falling in love with Tequila during a vacation in the Mediterranean.
Lobos Reposado PX Tequila, $48, 92 points. Tequila is aged six months from American oak, then finished in PX Sherry casks and mixed with an extra touch of añejo Tequila. The end result is rich honeyed tones with just a few delicious edges. Cooked aloe vera and the aroma of coconut lead the nose, while the palate opens with characteristic peppery sensations. Cut the sweet peppers and jalapenos into cloves, cayenne, coconut and vanilla. Buy on Drizly.
