The classic new bourdon pushes the boundaries of what a bourdon can be.
Creative collaborations often yield unexpected gems, but some partnerships just seem destined for greatness – like the fusion of hard-charging rock n’ roll and bourbon. In a nod to their shared Chicago roots, FEW Spirits has joined forces with legendary rockers The Smashing Pumpkins to craft a bourbon as distinctive as the band’s guitar-drenched sound.
Award-winning FEW Spirits dove headfirst into the sonic world of the multi-platinum, Billy Corgan-led group, infusing every drop of their bourbon with the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. The journey began with FEW cutting the bourbon down to its final 93 proof strength, using Midnight Rose black tea sourced from Madame Zuzu’s Emporium, owned by Corgan and his wife, entrepreneur Chloé Mendel Corgan.
For FEW founder and master distiller Paul Hletko, the music of The Smashing Pumpkins has always been a source of inspiration. Music is ingrained in the FEW Spirits story, with previous releases featuring collaborations with artists like California’s Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and a tequila-finished bourbon approved by Alice in Chains.
The marriage of rock ‘n’ roll and bourbon has gained momentum in recent years, with bands like Motorhead and Metallica venturing into the whiskey world. The diverse sonic landscape of The Smashing Pumpkins’ career provided unexpected inspiration for FEW’s craft, as Hletko explains.
Drawing parallels between music-making and whiskey distillation, Hletko remarks, “Whether you’re making music, painting, blending tea, or distilling spirits, you’re making art.” He cites iconic Pumpkins tracks like “I Am One” from their debut album, “Gish,” as a driving force behind the bourbon’s creation, aiming to capture the band’s raw energy and symphonic quality in liquid form.
FEW Spirits describes the bourbon as “a singular experience,” echoing the band’s distinctive sound. Aromas of rose water and honeydew melon pave the way for flavours of sandalwood, vanilla, caramel, and black tea, embodying FEW’s signatures’ bold yet sweet taste profile.
The collaborative process extended beyond the distillery, as FEW Spirits enlisted the talents of award-winning Chicago visual artist Katelan Foisy. Known for her work on stage backdrops for The Smashing Pumpkins and designs for Madame Zuzu’s, Foisy brought a visual dimension to the partnership, enriching the bourbon’s story with her unique artistic vision.
As The Smashing Pumpkins prepare for the release of their forthcoming single, FEW Smashing Pumpkins bourbon makes its debut, offering fans a taste of rock ‘n’ roll history in every sip. Priced at a reasonable $50, this Chicago-born collaboration is the perfect addition to any bar cart, inviting fans to raise a glass and toast to the enduring spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.