American

Review: Beyoncé's SirDavis Whisky

$75

OVERALL
RATING

7

Review: Beyoncé’s SirDavis Whisky

Whether you like the flavor or not, you cannot deny that the release of SirDavis has made waves in the whisky industry.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
A collaborative effort between Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, featuring the wonderful nose of Dr. Bill Lumsden of Ardbeg and Glenmorangie fame. Featuring a mash-bill of 51% rye and 49% malted barley, it is one of the more unusual American spirits on the market as it features no corn as a natural sweet counterpart to the powerful flavours of rye and barley.
Appearance:
Orange Marmalade
Nose:
An instant hit of spicy rye, molasses, and the scent of a whisky soaked dive bar. There is something about the rye in this that makes me think of soaked whisky barrels, or a bar top that is covered in a myriad of everything they serve. There are also some very nice candied almonds, powdered sugar elements to it that counter the rye spice very nicely. The malty element isn’t that pronounced on the nose, that in itself is quite impressive, although you do get some breads notes from the rye, as well as a little touch of mint moving through everything.
Palate:
Slightly bittersweet start with dark chocolate, mint, and vanilla essence – there seems to be something a little vermouth/amaro about it as well, almost those strawberry/rhubarb notes of something like Cocchi Torino. It has a soft quality to it that doesn’t really reflect the price tag, especially when you think of ryes that are cheaper and delivery much more on the palate.
Finish:
A slight acrid dryness to it that would be balanced out with some corn in the mix. I can feel all of the moisture missing in the middle of tongue. You get some nice notes of orange and ginger, almost like Angostura bitters.
Comments:
I think this is perfectly fine when it comes to a rye taste. Its welcoming and soft for that style of whisky. But, for what you can get for half the price, with no celebrity attachment to it, I would say they’re better whiskies. Something like Sazerac, Rittenhouse, FEW, and Woodford all have a fair bit more going for a lot less money.

Who Will Buy SirDavis?

If you’re a fan of Beyoncé, look no further than SirDavis.

If you’re not into whisky but like the idea of drinking her products, go for it. Much like Haig Club, if this is the whisky that gets you into whisky then it’s the best thing possible for everyone involved.

To be fair, there is no huge indicator that she has anything to do with SirDavis, her name isn’t on it, and she hasn’t had anything put on there to make it ‘celebrity’ as such, unlike other brands and former brand owners. Being a fan is a perfectly valid reason to buy this.

If you’re a fan of rye then this is certainly an interesting profile to wrap your pallet around. The lack of corn does allow the other grains to shine more than they would in a modern Kentucky-style rye, but it is certainly something that you should try and share opinions on.

Best Ways To Enjoy SirDavis?

Neat or over ice would be certainly fine, but with its atypical mash bill and flavor profile, I bet this would make a pretty good Manhattan.

Final Thoughts?

Don’t let the celebrity endorsement overshadow the whisky itself. A common trend with celebrity-branded spirits is that they’re often designed to be easy to enjoy, which makes them appealing to a wide audience. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it can sometimes prevent the whisky from being truly exceptional, even if it means selling well to a larger group of people. With that being said, this a a good, tasty, and approachable whisky.

As a style, it is gentle which is a good thing for a rye whisky, but the missing corn element of this whisky could put you off if you’re not a fan of spirits that are too dry, especially when it comes to spirits matured in virgin oak. If you’re looking for a rye to get you into rye, this is not a bad way to go, it works in the same way that something like Haig Club did, it isn’t the most flavorful thing in the world, but if it helps get people into a style of whisky then it can only be a good thing overall. But, if you’re looking for complexity then I would look elsewhere.

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Of course, there is something to be said for the worldwide appeal of Beyoncé’s SirDavis Whisky. As one of the most prominent entertainment figures of the 21st century, with 32 Grammys under her belt, Beyoncé certainly has the platform needed to promote whisky to a wider audience. With fans spanning genders, races, and generations, Beyoncé truly has the power and cultural significance to promote whisky as something that everyone can drink.

Additionally, the lack of complexity when compared to other rye whiskies makes this the perfect whisky with which to start your tasting journey. If Beyoncé can drink and enjoy whisky, so can you. Give SirDavis a go. Whether you like the flavor or not, you cannot deny that the release of SirDavis has made waves in the whisky industry.

To find out more about the origins of SirDavis, the work with Dr. Bill Lumsden of Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, and how SirDavis Whisky is made, click here.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer's passion for whisky is undeniable. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil manages The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curates an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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