Nashville’s Newest Spirit: A Taste Test of Beyoncé’s SirDavis Whisky
As the vibrant city of Nashville buzzes with excitement, music lovers and whisky enthusiasts alike are turning their attention to a new player in the liquor market—SirDavis Whisky, the brainchild of none other than the sensational Beyoncé Knowles Carter. With fans all over social media buzzing about this award-winning spirit, we decided it was time to sit down with an expert and see what all the fuss was about.
Whisky Meets Expertise
Our tasting journey began with Matt Bolus, a seasoned chef and restaurateur who runs 404 Kitchen and Gertie’s Whiskey Bar in Nashville. Bolus was raised in Tennessee and boasts years of experience in the whiskey business. He tells us that whiskey has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember, and his profound passion shines through when he talks about it.
“What you have to understand is,” he says, “we have about 1,000 labels of whiskey between our locations in Louisville and Nashville. We’re serious about our whiskey here!” Bolus is not just tasting any liquor; he’s ready to dive into the complexities of Beyoncé’s new creation that retails for $89.99.
The Art of Sipping
Before we even uncork the bottle, Bolus walks us through his process for evaluating whiskey. “First off,” he advises, “you really need to take a good whiff before you actually take a sip.” Smelling the whiskey helps reveal the different notes that can be present.
To reset senses, he suggests smelling your hand first before diving back into the whiskey, something I had never heard before! “If you do that, you’ll notice the differences much better,” he explains. Just as we take a big breath in, Bolus picks up distinct scents—a blend of rye and sweeter spices reminiscent of cinnamon and star anise. He notes that the barley adds a rich depth to the profile.
The First Sip
Finally, it was time for Bolus to take his first sip of SirDavis. “Initially,” he remarks, “I’m getting the barley, the malted grains, that toastiness, some woodiness in there.” The tasting continues with hints of cherry and a raisin-like flavor, and one can note the surprise in his voice.
“I have to say, I’m really enjoying this. It’s not overly sweet, and there’s a perfect balance of flavors,” he reflects. With a thoughtful nod, he continues, “It’s complex, and the more I taste it, the more interesting it becomes.”
A Recommendation from a Pro
Bolus mentions that SirDavis would appeal to drinkers who typically enjoy scotch over bourbon or rye. He confidently says, “If you like scotch, this is definitely one to try. It leans well into the American whiskey territory.” He’s clearly impressed, noting, “I’m not drinking Beyoncé’s whiskey just to say it’s Beyoncé’s. It’s actually delicious!”
A Legacy to Celebrate
Even Beyoncé herself seems to be deeply connected to this venture. In a heartfelt message to her great-grandfather, Davis Hogue, she reflects on his influence as a moonshiner during Prohibition and the legacy he has left behind. “For you, I raise my glass to legacy.” It’s clear that she poured her heart into this project, and her fans are loving it.
As celebrations for SirDavis continue, it’s evident that this whisky is more than just a drink; it’s a tribute to family, culture, and the joy of sharing good spirits with good people. And as we concluded our tasting, we couldn’t help but raise our glasses to the Queen Bey and the wonderful world of whisky.
