The Whisky World: A Tale of Two Collaborations
In the world of whisky, collaborations can lead to some truly remarkable creations. Two recent releases, one from Smashing Pumpkins and FEW Spirits, and another from The Macallan, showcase the magic that can happen when two entities come together to create something special.
Smashing Pumpkins Unveil New Bourbon
The iconic rock band, Smashing Pumpkins, has teamed up with FEW Spirits to create a unique bourbon whiskey. Dubbed the “FEW Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon,” this 93-proof bottling is a true collaboration, with flavor inspired by the band’s iconic discography and iconography. The bourbon is cut with black tea from Madame Zuzu’s Emporium, a boutique tea shop run by Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and his wife, Chloé Mendel Corgan. The result is a whiskey that balances familiar bourbon notes of vanilla and caramel with hints of rose water, sandalwood, and black tea.
The accompanying bottle is a work of art, designed by artist Katelan Foisy, who has worked with the Pumpkins on stage backdrops for previous tours. The label features the lyric “Time is never time at all” from the band’s hit single “Tonight, Tonight.”
The Macallan Celebrates the River Spey
Meanwhile, The Macallan has released a new whisky, inspired by the River Spey, which flows through the distillery’s 485-acre estate. The River Spey whisky is a single malt, crafted to capture the natural spirit of the land. The barrels are a combination of European oak sherry seasoned casks, American oak sherry seasoned casks, and refill casks, resulting in a whisky with notes of raisin, cinnamon, apple, pear, sweet oak, treacle sponge, and vanilla.
The whisky’s packaging features a stunning watercolor painting of the River Spey by pastel realist artist Michelle Lucking. The artist’s use of natural pigments perfectly captures the colors of the whisky and the surrounding landscape.
Two Collaborations, One Common Thread
While these two collaborations may seem worlds apart, they share a common thread - a passion for craftsmanship and creativity. Whether it’s the Smashing Pumpkins’ iconic music or The Macallan’s dedication to whisky-making, both collaborations showcase the beauty of bringing different worlds together.
So, the next time you’re sipping on a dram of whisky or enjoying a rock concert, remember the power of collaboration and the incredible creations that can result from it.
The FEW Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon
The Macallan River Spey Whisky
