SirDavis: Beyoncé’s New Whisky Honoring Her Grandfather

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2024 is truly a Renaissance year for Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. In February, she released her haircare line Cécred and quickly followed it up with the March release of her genre-blurring album, Cowboy Carter. On Tuesday, Aug. 20, the artist announced the launch of her new American whisky, SirDavis, a years-in-the-making partnership with Moët Hennessy. 

“I’ve always been drawn to the power and confidence I feel when drinking quality whisky and wanted to invite more people to experience that feeling, ” said Knowles-Carter. “When I discovered that my great-grandfather had been a moonshine man, it felt like my love for whisky was fated. SirDavis is a way for me to pay homage to him, uniting us through a new shared legacy. In partnering with Moët Hennessy, we have crafted a delicious American whisky that respects tradition but also empowers people to experience something new and unique in the category. You can taste it better than I could ever tell you — welcome, SirDavis.”

The whisky reflects the vanguards of culture and craft. The spirit’s origins trace back to Davis Houge, the singer’s great-grandfather and moonshiner, who hid whisky in cedar knots during Prohibition. Today, four generations later, bottles of SirDavis proudly grace the top shelves of fine purveyors of spirits around the world.

Knowles-Carter collaborated with Master Distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden to craft SirDavis’s distinctive taste, blending expertise and innovation.

The announcement states that Lumsden selected “bespoke mash bill” — one of the rarest new offerings in the world of American whisky composed of 51% rye and 49% malted barley — to serve as the backbone of SirDavis. Leading to a texture reminiscent of Japanese and Scotch whiskies while retaining the robust and deep flavors typical of classic American rye.

The spirit’s rareness can be found in the tangy Seville orange and raisin notes mixed with clove, cinnamon, ginger, and luxurious hints of Demerara sugar and toffee. On the palate, rich buttery toffee and buttery toffee is followed by a vibrant citrus top note. Soft touches of honey and ripe cherry finish make for a pleasant experience.

In true “Beyoncé” fashion, SirDavis has already won several awards before its launch. The press release claims the whisky was anonymously submitted to “numerous prestigious spirits competitions” and took home Best In Class for American Whisky from the 2023 SIP Awards, a Gold Medal (95 points) from the 2023 New York International Spirits Competition and a 93-point rating from the 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

SirDavis, a premium spirits brand by Moët Hennessy, showcases the singer’s creativity and Texas roots through its exquisite bottle design. The tall, ribbed vessel showcases a black medallion with a bronzed horse, symbolizing strength and respect, honoring the artist’s heritage.

Uniquely, SirDavis whisky is finished, blended, and bottled in Texas, making it Moët Hennessy’s first spirits brand developed entirely in the United States. This distinct Texas connection sets SirDavis apart, reflecting the singer’s deep connection to her home state.

SirDavis whisky retails for $89 and is available for pre-order via SirDavis.com. In September 2024, SirDavis will be available in U.S. retail, select airports (LAX, JFK, SFO), and stores in London, Paris, and Tokyo.