Celebrities are no longer confined to the screens and stages; they are branching out into the world of liquor, creating whiskey brands that reflect their personal tastes and passions. These celebrity-owned whiskey brands are making significant waves in the industry, from classic bourbon to innovative blends. Let’s check out 14 notable whiskey brands that some of your favorite celebrities own.
Proper No. Twelve by Conor McGregor
In 2018, mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor brought his Irish heritage to the world of spirits with Proper No. Twelve. This Irish whiskey features a smooth blend of golden grain and single malt whiskeys, creating a well-rounded taste. McGregor’s close involvement in the brand ensures it represents his confident spirit. Balancing tradition with a contemporary twist, Proper No. Twelve has rapidly gained a loyal following.
Wild Turkey Longbranch by Matthew McConaughey
Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey partnered with Wild Turkey to create Longbranch, a refined bourbon. Inspired by his Texas roots, Longbranch is charred through American oak and Texas mesquite charcoal, lending it a distinctive flavor. McConaughey’s involvement extends beyond marketing, as he collaborated on creating the bourbon. The result is a smooth, full-bodied bourbon with a touch of smoky sweetness.
Heaven’s Door by Bob Dylan
Legendary musician Bob Dylan lent his artistic influence to the whiskey world with Heaven’s Door. This brand offers a range of American whiskeys, including Tennessee Straight Bourbon, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Dylan’s inspiration is evident in the brand’s name, a nod to his iconic song, and the bottle designs, which feature his metalwork sculptures.
Virginia Black by Drake
Co-founded by Drake, Virginia Black is a bourbon known for its smooth taste and stylish packaging. The bourbon blends young (2-4 year-old) bourbons with a high-rye content and a touch of sweetness, making it versatile for both sipping neat and mixing in cocktails. While smoothness is a matter of preference, the sleek bottle reflects the brand’s focus on design. This approachable yet sophisticated bourbon has gained acclaim for its easy-drinking nature and moderate 40% ABV (80 proof) strength.
Lagavulin Offerman Edition by Nick Offerman
Known for his Lagavulin-loving character Ron Swanson on “Parks and Recreation,” Nick Offerman has collaborated with the distillery on a limited-edition Scotches called the Offerman Edition. These expressions capture the signature Lagavulin taste – intense peat and rich smoke – with unique finishes depending on the cask used, like charred oak or Guinness casks. This collaboration perfectly complements the actor’s well-known fondness for Lagavulin, and the Offerman Edition proves his passion for high-quality whiskey.
Haig Club by David Beckham
In collaboration with drinks giant Diageo, soccer icon David Beckham put his stamp on Haig Club, a single-grain Scotch whisky. The brand targets new whisky drinkers with its sleek, square blue bottle and easy-drinking flavor profile. Beckham’s sophisticated image is woven throughout the Haig Club experience, from the marketing materials to the bottle design. The whisky is known for its smooth, clean taste, perfect for enjoying neat and crafting cocktails.
American Highway Reserve by Brad Paisley
Country music star Brad Paisley introduced American Highway Reserve, a bourbon brand known for its innovative aging process. This method involves storing barrels in a mobile rickhouse, creating a unique backstory for the spirit. Paisley embarked on this distinctive approach inspired by his love for whiskey and music.
Nearest Green by Fawn Weaver
Founded by Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first African-American master distiller. The brand offers a range of award-winning whiskeys, including a premium aged Tennessee whiskey and a smooth, sophisticated rye. Uncle Nearest is celebrated for its rich flavors, historical significance, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Weaver’s dedication to preserving Green’s legacy has made Uncle Nearest a symbol of excellence and heritage in the whiskey industry.
Slane Irish Whiskey by Alex Conyngham
Alex Conyngham, an heir to the Slane Castle estate, co-founded Slane Irish Whiskey, blending tradition with modernity. This triple-cask blend combines grain and malt whiskeys aged in virgin oak, seasoned American oak, and Oloroso sherry casks. The result is a whiskey with notes of caramel, dried fruit, and vanilla, offering a complex flavor profile. Slane’s unique heritage and Conyngham’s commitment to quality have positioned it as a strong contender in the Irish whiskey market.
The Sexton Single Malt by The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus
Norman Reedus, famous for his role in “The Walking Dead,” is a brand ambassador for The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey. Crafted by Master Blender Alex Thomas, this whiskey is triple-distilled from 100% malted barley and aged in former Oloroso sherry butts. The Sexton is known for its rich, nutty character with hints of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and spice. Reedus’ rugged persona and appreciation for fine spirits make him a fitting representative for this distinctive brand.
Sweetens Cove by Peyton Manning and Andy Roddick
Sweetens Cove, co-owned by Peyton Manning and Andy Roddick, celebrates the legacy of a beloved nine-hole golf course in Tennessee. The brand offers a variety of whiskeys, including its flagship Tennessee Straight Bourbon, known for its meticulous blending and complex flavor profile. Sweetens Cove reflects the spirit of camaraderie and Southern hospitality with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak.
Liev Schreiber’s Sláinte Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey is always a good choice, and Sláinte, Liev Schreiber’s new line, guarantees a great time. The name, pronounced “slahn-cha,” means “to your health” and is the traditional Gaelic toast. Schreiber partnered with industry expert Richard Davies to create this whiskey, representing a new Irish whiskey category: double aging. It first ages in old bourbon American oak barrels, then finishes in sherry casks. This sherry finish adds richer, rounder notes, making it perfect for cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour.
Neil Giraldo – Three Chord Bourbon
Musician Neil Giraldo’s Three Chord Bourbon is inspired by his love of music and craftsmanship. This blended bourbon features up to 12-year-old whiskeys aged in different types of barrels for a rich, harmonious flavor. Giraldo’s attention to detail and dedication to quality are evident in every bottle. Three Chord Bourbon is ideal for those who appreciate a complex, well-balanced whiskey.
Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Vampire Diaries co-actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley bonded over bourbon, both on and off-screen. This love for the spirit led them to create Brother’s Bond Bourbon, named after their characters and the camaraderie forged over drinks. They partnered with an experienced distiller for creative control, resulting in a high-quality, four-grain bourbon that supports sustainable farming.
