The Truth About Bob Dylan's Whiskey

Fans of musicians and spirits and wine alike have undoubtedly noticed the uptick in celebrity endorsements over recent years. One of the most recent collaborations was Lady Gaga's campaign with Dom Pérignon. However, some celebrities take the leap into actually producing their own spirit or wine. Bob Dylan did just that in 2018 when he created Heaven's Door Spirits (via Forbes). He teamed up with Marc Bushala, who was formerly of Angel's Envy Bourbon, which has since become wildly popular (via The Spruce Eats).

Dylan is the only other Nobel Prize winner, apart from Winston Churchill, to represent a drink, according to Forbes. The outlet reports that Churchill has a Pol Roger Champagne named after him. Dylan's whiskey wasn't created by him per se, but he and his team do add a few personalized touches to the bourbon they buy and package. It's also worth noting that the bottles are designed to incorporate some of Dylan's own ironwork sculptures that he has forged with all kinds of found items, reports Forbes.

Currently, there are three main versions of the liquor under his label (via Forbes). They include a Tennessee Straight Bourbon aged for seven years, a Double Barrel Whiskey, and a Straight Rye Whiskey. There's also a 10-year-old version of the original Tennessee Straight Bourbon as well.

According to The New York Times, the seven-year Tennessee Straight Bourbon is a straight-forward bourbon with many of the notes you've come to expect from oak-aged whiskey. In fact, the young bourbon showcases those classic notes (which NYT says are vanilla, caramel, and charred wood) better than you might expect with so little time in the barrel. Perhaps the angels have blessed Heaven's Door Spirits rather than take their share as it ages.

The Double Barrel Whiskey appears to be the opposite of the Tennessee bourbon. The New York Times describes it as "medicinal," which means it is far more biting than the nose lets on. Unless using it for cocktails where it will be balanced out, you might be better off going with the Tennessee bourbon for the same price. 

Finally, the Straight Rye Whiskey has many of the deeper, spicier notes you would expect from a rye. The New York Times listed several tasting notes, some of which were "tobacco and a slap of leather" among the aromas. The taste is something of a sweet and spicy chocolate. So if you enjoy the extra spice of most ryes, this is likely a good pick for you.