By Rob Henry and Mark Houston
Few names in modern music are as synonymous with influence, power, and creativity as Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. The queen of pop and R&B has dominated charts, reinvented genres, and shattered records. But in 2024, Beyoncé turned her attention to a new passion: whiskey.
Introducing SirDavis Rye Whiskey, named after her great-grandfather Davis Haywood. With a legacy that ties back to distilling and a touch of bootlegging, Beyoncé pays homage to her family’s history while creating something new for whiskey lovers. In this blog, we’ll explore the story behind Sir Davis, its unique characteristics, and, of course, our tasting notes.
A Legacy in a Bottle
Beyoncé named her whiskey after her great-grandfather Davis Haywood, who had a reputation as a distiller and perhaps a bit of a bootlegger. This isn’t just a celebrity label slapped on a bottle—SirDavis is crafted with expertise. The whiskey is the product of master distiller Bill Lumsden of Glenmorangie fame, bringing a pedigree that whiskey aficionados can respect.
The details:
- Mash bill: 51% rye, 49% barley.
- Finish: Aged in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, adding complexity and sweetness.
The choice of Pedro Ximénez (PX) casks, often used for dessert wines, speaks to Beyoncé’s ability to blend boldness with refinement.
What’s Pedro Ximénez?
Before diving into our tasting experience, let’s pause for a quick wine lesson. Pedro Ximénez (PX) isn’t a person but rather a grape variety native to Andalusia, Spain. It’s the cornerstone of some of the world’s sweetest and most luxurious dessert wines.
The grape’s history is fascinating. It has origins tied to Moorish Spain, and DNA studies confirm its native Andalusian roots. Over centuries, PX grapes have been cultivated to produce wines with rich, syrupy textures—a characteristic that’s imparted to SirDavis Rye through its sherry cask finish.
Tasting Sir Davis: A Debate
When it comes to SirDavis Rye, our opinions couldn’t be more different. Here’s how we broke it down:
Mark’s Take:
“This is a sweet, smooth whiskey with minimal burn and lots of drinkability. The sherry casks give it a richness and roundness that surprised me. It’s not just good—it’s exceptional for what it is. The sweetness balances out the rye spice perfectly.”
Rob’s Take:
“I wanted to like it, but it’s not for me. The aroma is strong, and the flavor is overwhelming. It’s fiery and intense, and every sip feels like it’s burning its way through my soul. Maybe it’s the sherry influence or the sweetness, but this whiskey is just too much for my palate.”
Why Sir Davis Matters
Whether you love it or not, SirDavis is a significant addition to the whiskey world. It represents a fusion of tradition and modernity—honoring history while pushing boundaries.
Beyoncé’s foray into whiskey demonstrates how diverse and inclusive the world of spirits is becoming. With its sherry cask finish and high-quality craftsmanship, SirDavis appeals to both seasoned whiskey lovers and newcomers curious about something different.
Final Thoughts
SirDavis Rye Whiskey might not be for everyone, but it’s undeniably a bold statement from one of the world’s biggest pop icons. Love it or not, Beyoncé’s whiskey is here to stay, proving once again that she’s more than just a queen of music—she’s a force in culture, innovation, and now, whiskey.
