Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has partnered with Moët Hennessy, a division of LVMH, to develop SirDavis, a whiskey years in the works. Avid enthusiast of Japanese whisky, Knowles-Carter approached the global wine and spirits distributor to assist in crafting a distinct flavor profile that embodies her whisky vision.
On the nose, SirDavis offers Seville oranges combined with tender sun-kissed raisins, while lively spices like clove, cinnamon, and ginger interact with opulent notes of Demerara sugar and toffee. On the palate, rich and creamy toffee precedes a medley of spices featuring cinnamon, clove, and traditional rye spice upfront. Gentle malty and biscuit-like notes follow, entwined with an energetic citrus top note. Subtle hints of honey on the finish emerge with a soft, lingering aftertaste evocative of plump sultanas and succulent cherries.
“I’ve always been inspired by the strength and assurance I experience when savoring quality whisky and aimed to encourage more individuals to feel that sensation,” expressed Knowles-Carter. “Upon learning that my great-grandfather had been involved in moonshining, it seemed as though my passion for whisky was destined. SirDavis serves as a tribute to him, connecting us through a new shared heritage. Through this collaboration with Moët Hennessy, we have crafted a delightful American whisky that honors tradition while also allowing people to experience something novel and distinctive in this category.”
SirDavis is named in tribute to Davis Hogue, Knowles-Carter’s paternal great-grandfather, who was a farmer and moonshiner in the American South during Prohibition. He concealed whisky bottles within the hollow knots of cedar trees for friends and family to discover and enjoy. For Knowles-Carter, unearthing this history made the idea of launching a whisky brand feel like destiny. Four generations later, the legacy comes alive.
“SirDavis is not just a groundbreaking and remarkable American Whisky, of which we are immensely proud,” stated Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH. “It is also a testament to the unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation shared by LVMH and Knowles-Carter.”
Moët Hennessy enlisted Dr. Bill Lumsden, one of the most acclaimed and recognized Master Distillers renowned for his work with Scotch whisky brands Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, to spearhead the creation of SirDavis. Lumsden curated the brand’s unique mash bill—one of the rarest new entries in the realm of American whisky, composed of 51% rye and 49% malted barley—as its foundation. He then wove traditional whisky-making methodologies to bestow an elegant mouthfeel and texture reminiscent of Japanese and Scotch whiskies, while preserving the robust and profound flavors characteristic of classic American rye.
“With SirDavis, we aimed to challenge the norms of the category and introduce something fresh into the market,” remarked Lumsden. “The unique grain selection and uncommon secondary maturation in sherry casks contributed to achieving a signature profile wholly distinctive to SirDavis, one marked by bold sophistication.”
Moët Hennessy and Knowles-Carter’s mutual dedication to excellence was central to their collaboration and the resulting product. To ensure the quality of SirDavis, the liquid was anonymously submitted to several esteemed spirits competitions prior to its debut. SirDavis secured Best In Class for American Whiskey from the 2023 SIP Awards, surpassing over 100 other competitors. This accolade is awarded to only one label per category and is designated for premium spirits that attain scores at the pinnacle of their respective categories, representing SIP’s highest recognition from consumer judges. Additional noteworthy accolades include a Gold Medal (95 points) from the 2023 New York International Spirits Competition and a 93-point evaluation from the 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Knowles-Carter also contributed her visionary artistic insight to the brand’s bottle design. Striking and sleek, the bottle’s ribbed glass exquisitely captures light, showcasing the liquid inside. A medallion features an elegant bronzed horse, symbolizing Knowles-Carter’s Texan origins.
SirDavis is available for $89 and can be pre-ordered via SirDavis.com. The product is accessible for sale across the U.S. and in selected airports (LAX/JFK/SFO) as well as in stores in London, Paris, and Tokyo.
Enjoy it on the rocks, neat, or in this custom Honey Bee cocktail:
Ingredients
- 2 oz SirDavis Whisky
- .75 oz Lemon Juice
- .5 oz Honey Syrup*
- Garnish: Honeycomb
*To prepare honey syrup, combine 2 parts honey with 1 part water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the honey is dissolved. Allow it to cool before transferring to an airtight container.
Instructions: Pour the liquid ingredients into a shaker, followed by ice. Shake for dilution then strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with honeycomb.
Image Source: John Arehart / Shutterstock
