Drake attends the Canadian Pre-Launch of Virginia Black Decadent American Whiskey held at LCBO at Yonge & Summerhill on April 12, 2016 in Toronto.
George Pimentel/Getty Images for Virginia Black Decadent American Whiskey
Billboard asked Tristan Willey, former manager of Momofuku’s East Village bar, Booker and Dax, and rising star in New York’s mixology scene, to put his skills toward taste testing three recently debuted musician-fronted whiskeys, all of which were first-time forays into the market: Drake’s Virginia Black, Florida Georgia Line’s Old Camp Peach Pecan Whiskey, and from across the pond, London-based Celtic punk band The Pogues’ Irish Whiskey. Here’s how they fared.
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Drake: Virginia Black
“After coming to terms with his national betrayal — couldn’t it have been a Canadian whiskey? — and disappointing flimsy golden cap perched atop what could be my father’s cologne bottle, I had to admit that the juice inside had me saying, in a particularly high and surprised voice, “Pretty good!” For it is, in fact, pretty damn good. And it’s smooth enough that I’d only recommend it served neat with ‘Too Good’ playing in the background. Cheers, Drake — you win again.” $34.99; Virginiablackwhiskey.com
Notes: Rich, decadent and smooth
Drake Unveils First Look at Virginia Black Whiskey Bottle
The Pogues: The Pogues Irish Whiskey
“Rum, Sodomy & the Lash, ‘Streams of Whiskey,’ ‘Whiskey in the Jar,’ ‘Whiskey, You’re the Devil’ — with song and album titles this littered with direct whiskey experience, there was no doubt in my mind that this was going to be a bottle worthy of song. I was almost as surprised at the starkly attractive, solid black bottle as I was at how far the final product was from being a knock-your-teeth-out, riled-up Irish paint thinner. I now know how The Pogues spent so much time mulling over their lyrics and their drams. This gentle spirit makes a killer Old-Fashioned but needs nothing but an ice cube to be truly enjoyable.” $39.99; thepoguesirishwhiskey.com
Notes: Aroma of malts and cracked nuts with a sweet taste and smooth flavor.
Florida Georgia Line: Old Camp Peach Pecan Whiskey
“In ‘Sippin’ on Fire,’ Florida Georgia Line sing intensely about how a girl walking by perks their passionate interest in what I’d assumed was a spicy and rip-roaring intimacy. But after a drink of their Old Camp Whiskey, I realize that what they meant was that you, dear muse, are as sweet as a Georgia peach. If their whiskey is any indication of the crooning boys’ priorities, they love to throw back a couple of shots and roll onstage into a hot country night with a posse of friends at their side. I was hard-pressed to find the pecans or whiskey layered in their offering, but the southern peach was bright and unmistakable. Line up the shots, make sure to grab the chasers, and then head off to the bonfire with this one.” $19.99; select retailers nationwide
Notes: Smooth and sweet, balanced with caramel and light spice
A version of this article originally appeared in the July 30 issue of Billboard.