FEW Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon Collaboration and Tasting Notes

Discover the Unique FEW Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon

The new FEW Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon is an innovative creation born from the collaboration between the iconic alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins and craft distiller FEW Spirits. This distinctive bourbon brings together the bold flavors of FEW Spirits with the avant-garde spirit of The Smashing Pumpkins, resulting in a limited-edition whiskey that is as unique as the band itself.

A Collaboration Like No Other

The Smashing Pumpkins, known for their influential sound and iconic albums like “Gish” and “Siamese Dream,” have teamed up with FEW Spirits, a grain-to-glass distillery from Evanston, Illinois. The collaboration celebrates both the band’s unique musical style and their shared Chicago roots with FEW Spirits founder and master distiller, Paul Hletko.

Crafting the Perfect Blend

FEW Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon begins its journey as a core straight bourbon expression with a mash bill consisting of 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% two-row malted barley. After aging for four years, the bourbon is cut from a cask strength of 62% ABV to a bottling strength of 46.5% ABV, using ‘Midnight Rose’ black tea instead of water. This tea, sourced from Madame ZuZu’s Emporium run by Billy Corgan and his wife Chloé Mendel Corgan, infuses the bourbon with unique flavors of rose water and sandalwood.

The use of tea in the bourbon’s production highlights an interesting fact: according to US spirits definitions, this addition technically disqualifies it from being labeled purely as bourbon whiskey. Instead, the label describes it as a straight bourbon whiskey with tea, classifying it as a ‘distilled spirits specialty.’

Artful Label Design

The label of FEW Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon is a work of art, designed by Chicago-based visual artist Katelan Foisy. Inspired by vintage tea tins and combining elements of Art Deco and Victorian design, the label also features the lyrics “Time is never time at all,” from the band’s hit single “Tonight, Tonight.”

Here’s what you can expect in terms of tasting notes:

Bright aromas of ripe honeydew melon
Flavors of rose water intertwined with characteristic bourbon notes like vanilla and caramel

A Part of Rock-Music-Themed Expressions

FEW Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon is not the first rock-music-themed release from FEW Spirits. The craft distiller has previously collaborated with other bands for unique spirits:

‘Brainville’ with The Flaming Lips – a rye whiskey using French wine yeast
‘All Secrets Known’ with Alice in Chains – a tequila cask-finished bourbon
‘Motor Oil’ with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – a blend of cask-finished bourbons and smoked wheat whiskey

FEW Spirits has a history of experimenting with alternative proofing methods, such as using cold brew coffee and oolong tea, which adds another layer of creativity to their offerings.

Coinciding With The Smashing Pumpkins’ Tour

The release of FEW Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon coincides with the band’s North American tour in 2024. Fans can look forward to catching The Smashing Pumpkins on tour with Green Day and Rancid. The limited-edition bourbon, priced at $50, will be available along the tour route at select retailers and online.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of The Smashing Pumpkins or have a taste for celebrity-backed spirits, FEW Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon is a must-try. Its unique production process, combined with the band’s iconic influence, makes it a stand-out addition to any whiskey collection. Whether enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, this bourbon offers a one-of-a-kind drinking experience that truly reflects the essence of both FEW Spirits and The Smashing Pumpkins.