Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has collaborated with Moët Hennessy, a sector of LVMH, to create SirDavis, a whiskey that has been years in the making. A passionate aficionado of Japanese whisky, Knowles-Carter reached out to the international wine and spirits distributor for help in developing a unique flavor profile that reflects her whisky aspirations.
On the nose, SirDavis presents Seville oranges fused with delicate sun-baked raisins, while vibrant spices such as clove, cinnamon, and ginger mingle with luxurious notes of Demerara sugar and toffee. On the palate, luscious and creamy toffee precedes a blend of spices where cinnamon, clove, and classic rye spice take center stage. Soft malty and biscuit-like hints follow, intertwined with an invigorating citrus top note. Subtle nuances of honey emerge at the finish with a gentle, lingering aftertaste reminiscent of plump sultanas and juicy cherries.
“I’ve always drawn inspiration from the strength and confidence I feel when enjoying high-quality whisky and aimed to inspire more people to experience that feeling,” stated Knowles-Carter. “Upon discovering that my great-grandfather had engaged in moonshining, it felt as if my enthusiasm for whisky was predetermined. SirDavis is a tribute to him, connecting us through a new shared legacy. Through this partnership with Moët Hennessy, we have created a delightful American whisky that respects tradition while also offering a unique and fresh experience in this category.”
SirDavis honors Davis Hogue, Knowles-Carter’s paternal great-grandfather, who worked as a farmer and moonshiner in the Southern United States during Prohibition. He hid whisky bottles within the hollow knots of cedar trees for friends and relatives to find and enjoy. For Knowles-Carter, uncovering this history made the notion of launching a whisky brand feel like destiny. Four generations later, the legacy is revived.
“SirDavis is not merely a groundbreaking and exceptional American Whisky, of which we are incredibly proud,” remarked Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH. “It is also a symbol of the unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation shared between LVMH and Knowles-Carter.”
Moët Hennessy recruited Dr. Bill Lumsden, one of the most distinguished and respected Master Distillers recognized for his work with Scotch whisky brands Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, to lead the creation of SirDavis. Lumsden developed the brand’s exclusive mash bill—one of the rarest newcomers in the sphere of American whisky, consisting of 51% rye and 49% malted barley—as its basis. He then employed traditional whisky-making techniques to impart an elegant mouthfeel and texture reminiscent of Japanese and Scotch whiskies, while maintaining the bold and profound flavors typical of classic American rye.
“With SirDavis, we aimed to defy the standards of the category and introduce something new to the market,” expressed Lumsden. “The exceptional grain selection and rare secondary maturation in sherry casks contributed to achieving a distinctive profile entirely unique to SirDavis, one characterized by striking sophistication.”
Moët Hennessy and Knowles-Carter’s shared commitment to excellence was at the heart of their collaboration and the finished product. To guarantee the quality of SirDavis, the spirit was anonymously submitted to several prestigious spirits competitions prior to its launch. SirDavis received Best In Class for American Whiskey from the 2023 SIP Awards, outperforming over 100 other entrants. This accolade is given to only one brand per category and is designated for premium spirits that attain scores at the summit of their specific categories, symbolizing SIP’s highest honor from consumer judges. Additional notable accolades include a Gold Medal (95 points) from the 2023 New York International Spirits Competition and a 93-point rating from the 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Knowles-Carter also infused her creative artistic vision into the brand’s bottle design. Striking and sleek, the bottle’s ribbed glass beautifully captures light, showcasing the liquid within. A medallion features a graceful bronzed horse, symbolizing Knowles-Carter’s Texan heritage.
SirDavis is offered for $89 and can be pre-ordered via SirDavis.com. The product is available for purchase 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 exclusive 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. Let it 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
