From Hollywood icons to country music legends, celebrities are getting in on the bourbon boom. Some have launched their own distilleries, while others have partnered with established brands to create unique expressions. Whether you’re a fan of whiskey or just curious about star-studded spirits, here are 10 celebrity-owned bourbon brands worth trying.
1. Wild Turkey Longbranch – Matthew McConaughey
Alright, alright, alright—Matthew McConaughey partnered with Wild Turkey to create Longbranch, a smooth, Texas-inspired bourbon refined with mesquite-charcoal for a subtly smoky finish.
2. Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
Music legend Bob Dylan’s brand, Heaven’s Door, blends artistry and craftsmanship, offering a well-balanced bourbon aged in new American oak barrels.
3. Sweetens Cove – Peyton Manning
NFL great Peyton Manning and tennis star Andy Roddick co-own Sweetens Cove, an ultra-premium Tennessee bourbon known for its complex, small-batch aging process.
4. Blue Run Spirits – Michael Phelps (Investor)
Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps invested in Blue Run Spirits, a high-end bourbon brand that has quickly gained a cult following for its bold flavors and stylish design.
5. Brothers Bond – Ian Somerhalder & Paul Wesley
The “Vampire Diaries” stars bonded over bourbon on set and turned their passion into Brothers Bond, a smooth, easy-drinking whiskey with rich caramel and vanilla notes.
6. American Highway – Brad Paisley
Country star Brad Paisley’s American Highway is a unique bourbon aged on a rolling rickhouse—a semi-truck that travels across the country, giving the whiskey a one-of-a-kind character.
7. Redneck Riviera – John Rich
Country singer John Rich’s Redneck Riviera bourbon is a smooth, affordable whiskey that celebrates blue-collar roots with a hint of vanilla and oak.
8. Blackened – Metallica
Metallica’s Blackened Bourbon uses a proprietary “Black Noise” aging process, where barrels are exposed to sound waves from their music, enhancing the whiskey’s flavor profile.
9. Virginia Black – Drake
Virginia Black is a premium bourbon co-created by rapper Drake, crafted to offer a rich and smooth drinking experience. Known for its deep, caramelized flavors with notes of vanilla and oak, it’s a blend of carefully selected bourbons aged in American oak barrels.
10. Horse Soldier Bourbon – Former U.S. Special Forces (Chris Hemsworth as Ambassador)
While not owned by a single celebrity, Horse Soldier Bourbon—created by retired Green Berets—gained recognition when Chris Hemsworth became an ambassador, further boosting its popularity.
Celebrity-owned bourbon brands offer more than just star power—they bring unique flavors, innovative aging techniques, and personal storytelling to the whiskey world. Whether it’s Matthew McConaughey’s Texas-inspired Longbranch, Bob Dylan’s artistic Heaven’s Door, or Metallica’s sonic-aged Blackened, each bottle reflects the passion and personality of its famous backer. So, whether you’re sipping for the taste, the craftsmanship, or just the novelty of a celebrity connection, these bourbons are worth raising a glass to. Cheers!
Now Make A Great Old Fashioned
Now that you have your bourbon bottle in house, time to make some cocktails! Here is my list of both classic bourbon cocktails and a few new ones that work for every season!