Whiskey JYPSI has released Tonewood, a limited-edition, two-expression collaboration with guitar maker Gibson finished using toasted maple tonewood offcuts. The range launched on 8 July 2026 alongside the debut of country artist Eric Church’s signature Epiphone Hummingbird Dark guitar.
The collaboration reverses a familiar relationship between the two industries. Guitar makers have long used whiskey barrel wood in their instruments. Tonewood flips that idea. Maple tonewood offcuts from Gibson’s guitar-building process, prized for their resonance and character, are used to finish the whiskey.
“We built the whiskey first, then used the wood to understand what it could become,” said Ari Sussman, whiskey maker for Whiskey JYPSI.
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READ THE STORYThe range debuts with two expressions from a single tonewood. Each differs in age, proof, and structure.
Tonewood: Vol. 1 is bottled at 109 proof (54.5% ABV). It draws on older stocks, including 20-year-old straight bourbon and 14-year-old whiskey from a bourbon mash bill.
According to the official notes from the brand, Vol. 1 offers mature oak, vanilla, warm baking spice, honey, polished hardwood, caramelized sugar, roasted nuts, and a long finish.
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Tonewood: The Collective is bottled at 103 proof (51.5% ABV). The brand’s official notes describe vanilla, graham cracker, light caramel, toasted grain, and a clean finish that fades to gentle smoke.
“Whiskey JYPSI was built to challenge the usual rules of whiskey making, but never just for the sake of being different,” said co-founder Raj Alva. “Tonewood works because the idea is bold, the materials are real, and the result adds something meaningful to the whiskey.”
Vol. 1 is available in an “extremely limited” direct-to-consumer release for $799. It arrives in a custom Gibson case with a co-branded guitar strap and two Whiskey JYPSI glasses. The Collective carries a suggested price of $199 and will expand to select US retailers. A portion of proceeds will benefit Gibson Gives.
Both releases can be ordered at whiskeyjypsi.com.
Whiskey JYPSI was co-founded by Church and Alva under Outsiders Spirits. The company has secured distribution across 18 markets since launching in 2023.
“The wood is only wood until it arrives in a master’s hands — that rule applies to distillers, luthiers, and songwriters,” said Church. “I’m excited to see what song this collaboration between world-class masters will write.”
