Black Velvet Canadian Whisky has launched the Velvet Collection, a four-strong range of aged Canadian whiskies, alongside a campaign featuring supermodel Christie Brinkley. The announcement was made from Bardstown, Kentucky, on 26 October 2026, with the whiskies set to roll out nationwide across the US this November.
Brinkley first appeared in Black Velvet advertising in 1978. Nearly five decades later, she returns to the brand to help introduce its new premium chapter.
The campaign pairs fresh photography from a recent shoot with Brinkley and elements from her original Black Velvet advertising. Rather than recreating 1978, the brand describes it as a contemporary expression of the smoothness, confidence and approachability associated with Black Velvet.
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READ THE STORY“For 75 years, Black Velvet has held a distinctive place in whisky culture, built on the smoothness, confidence and approachability that have defined the brand for generations,” said Aaron Wilke, AVP at Black Velvet Whisky.
He added: “Christie is genuinely part of that story. Her return gives us an incredibly authentic way to honor our history while introducing the Velvet Collection and showing consumers where Black Velvet is headed next.”
Brinkley echoed that sentiment. “Black Velvet has such a special place in my history, so returning nearly five decades after my first campaign with the brand felt incredibly meaningful,” she said.
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“I love that this moment celebrates the legacy Black Velvet has built over 75 years while looking ahead with something fresh, confident and exciting through the Velvet Collection,” she continued.
The new lineup spans four expressions, extending the portfolio through longer aging and distinctive flavor profiles.
The range opens with the 12-Year-Old Signature, bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV). According to the official notes from the brand, it carries aromas of caramel, honey, rye spice and stone fruit, with a smooth, clean and dry finish.
It is joined by the 12-Year-Old Tawny Port Finish, matured in tawny port casks, and the 15-Year-Old Select Rye Recipe, both at 80 proof.
Topping the range is the 20-Year-Old Legacy, bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), with notes of honey, raisin and florals.
Each expression will be available in 700ml bottles, priced between $19.99 and $49.99 (£15 to £37), depending on the expression.
Black Velvet was first distilled in 1951 and remains one of the best-selling Canadian whisky brands in the US market.
