The Best (and Worst) Celebrity Booze Brands

As a seasoned connoisseur of fine spirits and someone who has spent countless hours sipping, swirling, and savoring the world’s best booze, I can confidently say that the list you’ve provided offers an intriguing mix of both stellar successes and unfortunate flops.

Credit, whether it’s praise or criticism, often falls on Sammy Hagar. As the previous lead singer of Van Halen, he ignited the trend of celebrity-endorsed alcohol when he launched his own Cabo Wabo Tequila in 1999. This trend escalated in 2017 when George Clooney sold Casamigos tequila to Diageo for an impressive $1 billion. Since then, every high-profile figure (and those aspiring to be) wanted a piece of the action. However, the saturation of celebrity brands has become a subject of humor. Yet, their success is genuine and surpasses the overall industry growth. But which ones are worth trying? The Hollywood Reporter has gathered a group of mixologists and spirits experts to highlight their top picks – and those that might be better off on the lower shelves.

THE BEST

Amante 1530

Sting

It seems that messages found in bottles suggest a reconsideration of the high sugar levels in Italian-style aperitivos. The renowned rock star, who boasts an expansive villa in Tuscany, has introduced a stronger version with a focus on the bitterness in bittersweet flavors. “Overtaking other aperitifs, Amante has swiftly become a regular at my home and bar,” remarks celebrated mixologist Yael Stormborn from Los Angeles.

Brother’s Bond Bourbon

Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley

2021 saw former “Vampire Diaries” co-stars Somerhalder and Wesley launch their brand, offering a unique blend of sweetness and spice in the category. It quickly gained popularity for its intricate yet approachable quality. Now, there are additional expressions available on store shelves, including a refined rye and a whiskey crafted entirely from grains grown using regenerative agriculture practices.

Dos Hombres Mezcal

Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul

Dan Dunn, host of the popular beverage podcast “What We’re Drinking”, acknowledges that Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, stars of “Breaking Bad”, have not lost their knack for creating something truly captivating. Working alongside artisan producers in Oaxaca, they have crafted a mezcal which Dan describes as having a “rich smokiness, silky smoothness, and the perfect level of boldness”. It boasts flavors reminiscent of apple, mango, and a hint of earthy spice.

Four Walls Whiskey

Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day

Unlike the zany concoctions cooked up at Paddy’s Pub in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” this mix of Irish whiskey and American rye is not a total catastrophe, according to Dunn. Instead, he finds that it was made quite well. The taste profile offers robust, malty flavors with a delightful kick of spice, which then smoothly transitions into a gentle, caramel finish – as sweetly unassuming as Charlie’s good-natured naivety.

Harmony; Origen Vodka

Woody Harrelson

Established just a year ago by the renowned vegan actor from Cheers, Holistic Spirits Co. made its grand entrance into the market with two eco-friendly, plant-centric spirits: Harmony is a 90 proof gin, boasting a crisp, botanical flavor profile with undertones of coriander and pineapple. Origen Vodka offers a unique twist on the traditional vodka category, delivering a refreshingly herbal, slightly creamy taste derived from organic wheat. These innovative spirits have received high praises from top mixologists in the industry. “The approach Holistic Spirits has taken is truly unprecedented,” asserts Stormborn.

Lobos 1707 Tequila

LeBron James, Issa Rae, Arnold Schwarzenegger et al.

This premium agave liquor debuted towards the end of 2020 and has attracted various renowned investors, with James being one of them, often showcased in promotional content for new product launches. However, what truly sets it apart is its quality. Every authentically crafted version of this Mexican spirit undergoes aging in Spanish sherry casks. You won’t find a subpar bottle among them.

Meili Vodka

Jason Momoa

It seems reasonable to assume that Aquaman, portrayed by Jason Momoa, should appreciate the importance of clean water more than most. After all, he introduced his vodka in early 2023, sourcing it from one of Montana’s purest springs nestled within its mountains. This not only results in a premium, gently sweet spirit that’s pleasant to drink, but it also contributes to water conservation efforts, a cause that resonates deeply with the actor. As Adam Fournier, beverage director at Spago in Beverly Hills, points out, Meili Vodka has managed to put Momoa’s passion for this cause into practice without compromising quality.

The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky

Sam Heughan

The main whisky bottle from the famous “Outlander” actor and prominent Scot is designed for discerning enthusiasts of the category. It’s a 92 proof spirit that offers aromas of ginger and dried apricot, and leaves a palate-pleasing aftertaste of butterscotch and crème brûlée. Last year, it was awarded the highest honor for best Scotch whisky at the annual Singapore World Spirits Competition.

Singani 63

Steven Soderbergh

Steven Soderbergh discovered Singani, a unique Bolivian brandy made from muscat grapes, during filming for “Che” in 2007 and later wholeheartedly endorsed it, even before celebrity-endorsed spirits were popular. As Fournier explains, it has gained popularity within the Los Angeles beverage scene and serves as an illustration of a spirit style that might not have been discovered by many U.S. drinkers without a well-known figure promoting it.

Sweetens Cove Bourbon

Peyton Manning, Andy Roddick

2020 saw the debut of this exceptional whiskey label, founded by a group of retired sports legends from the Hall of Fame. To elevate their collection of Tennessee and Kentucky bourbons to an elite level, they sought help from another icon in her field – whiskey blending. As Aaron Goldfarb, author of “Dusty Booze: In Search of Vintage Spirits“, puts it, “Sweetens Cove is exceptional whiskey because they allow a true expert, master distiller Marianne Eaves, to oversee the production process.

Sir Davis Whisky

Beyoncé

This fall, Beyoncé stepped into the alcohol industry with a grand debut. In collaboration with LVMH, she teamed up with the renowned whisky maker known for Ardbeg and Glenmorangie to create an American rye whiskey influenced by scotch, named after her great-grandfather, a bootlegger during Prohibition. “The concept, the distillers responsible for the drink, and the branding all fit perfectly,” says Stormborn. “Well done.

THE WORST

Casamigos

Formerly George Clooney, Rande Gerber

Goldfarb comments that this particular brand, often criticized for its reliance on additives, has led many Americans to believe that tequila from Mexico should taste like vanilla extract. Fournier agrees with the quality of the juice but points out that one strength of Casamigos might be persuading people to sample tequilas in general. If Casamigos’ current sales decline is any indication, it seems that when people begin exploring a wider range of tequilas, they start making their own preferences.

Indoggo Gin

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg might be a legend in hip-hop, but when it comes to his gin brand, Indoggo, Dunn feels it’s far from ‘dropping it like it’s hot.’ Although he’s known for ‘Gin and Juice’, Indoggo is more of a sugary berry drink than a genuine gin. It’s an artificial flavor that leaves your taste buds confused and underwhelmed. This drink lacks the sophistication of a well-crafted original.

Tesla Tequila

Elon Musk

Goldfarb remarks, “Elon Musk’s Tesla Tequila bottles are so unstable they can’t stand upright, and that’s just one of its flaws. The real issue is its exorbitant price tag for such a subdued flavor, costing as much as $3,000 per bottle online.

MoShine

Nelly

Dunn inquires, ‘With all the possible ways to use moonshine – historically a drink associated with outlaws, bootleggers, and tough characters – why on earth did you choose to filter it using peach and passion fruit Jolly Ranchers?’ This $30 liqueur is marketed as the ultimate party drink. ‘Whether or not Nelly actually did this is irrelevant.’ It tastes like he did,” is a natural and easy-to-read paraphrase of your original sentence.

Wolf Moon Bourbon

Jason Aldean

Dunn comments on this 80-proof whiskey from the well-known country artist, stating, “Even though you can fill stadiums doesn’t mean you should compromise and put your name on a bottle of whiskey. The scent offers a faint hint of caramel and oak, but it’s predominantly overpowered by an ‘eh’ sensation. Is it silky? Indeed, but so is regular tap water.

Here’s a fun fact I stumbled upon recently! In the November 20th issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine, there’s an interesting story. If you’d like to keep up with their latest content, consider subscribing! [Link to subscribe]

2024-11-23 22:33