Discover the Empire Edition Bourbon: A Tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat
Photos courtesy of Great Jones Distilling Co.
Great Jones Distilling Co. in Manhattan is celebrating the legacy of iconic New York artist Jean-Michel Basquiat with their latest release, the Empire Edition bourbon. Building on their initial collaboration nearly a year ago, which saw a trio of Basquiat-inspired bourbons, the distillery has unveiled this new special edition bottle featuring Basquiat’s distinctive crown drawing. Alongside the bourbon, a collection of apparel has also been launched, all adorned with Basquiat’s trademark art.
The Legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat
Since its opening in 2021, Great Jones Distilling Co. has been the first Whiskey distillery in Manhattan since Prohibition, and it remains the only one currently operating in the borough. While their whiskey is distilled on a small scale in Manhattan, the Bourbon found in Great Jones bottles is produced upstate at Black Dirt Distillery, both of which are under the umbrella of Proximo Spirits, the company known for Jose Cuervo and other notable tequila brands.
Crafting the Empire Edition Bourbon
The Great Jones x Jean-Michel Basquiat: Empire Edition bourbon is a four-year-old whiskey made from New York-grown corn, malted barley, and rye, bottled at 86 proof. The label FEATURES Basquiat’s “Mecca” painting, an interpretation of the NYC skyline created in 1982. This collaboration reflects the vibrant culture of downtown New York, paying homage to Basquiat’s legacy on Great Jones Street.
A Word from Proximo Spirits
Lander Otegui, senior VP of marketing at Proximo Spirits, expressed pride in aligning Great Jones Whiskey with a New York icon. He stated, “With this special edition bottle release, we are paying homage to Basquiat’s legacy on Great Jones Street, while also setting a new standard for craft distilling in Manhattan using entirely New York ingredients, to make our award-winning whiskeys.”
Tasting Notes of the Empire Edition Bourbon
The official tasting notes of the Empire Edition bourbon describe aromas of dry corn, cake batter, vanilla, and white pepper. The palate is highlighted by flavors of green grass and white pepper, providing a unique and delightful tasting experience. Here’s a quick summary of the tasting notes:
| Aroma | Flavor |
|---|---|
| Dry corn, cake batter, vanilla, white pepper | Green grass, white pepper |
Apparel Collection Inspired by Basquiat
In addition to the bourbon, Great Jones has collaborated with fashion brand Rome Pays Off to create a collection of apparel inspired by Basquiat’s “Mecca.” The merchandise includes:
- Bucket hat
- T-shirt
- Sweatshirt
This collection allows fans to celebrate Basquiat’s art in their wardrobe.
Experience the Empire Edition Bourbon
For those interested in experiencing this unique blend of art and whiskey, the Great Jones x Jean-Michel Basquiat: Empire Edition bourbon is available for purchase at the distillery, as well as on the Great Jones website. The apparel collection is also available online, making it easy for fans to get their hands on these limited-edition items. Visitors to the distillery can enjoy cocktails crafted by head mixologist Collin Frazier, specifically designed to complement the new bourbon release.
Conclusion
Embrace the vibrant culture of New York and the legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat by exploring the new Empire Edition bourbon and apparel collection. Visit the Great Jones website to purchase these exclusive items and experience the unique blend of art and craftsmanship.
