Jean Michel-Basquiat gets a toast from new inspired bourbon

[Coloroscopio]

Those who get drunk on art, raise a glass. Great Jones Distilling Co. is swirling things up with a limited-edition bourbon celebrating the iconic New York artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. In its second Basquiat rodeo, following a trio of bourbons featuring his signature crown last year, the distillery is bottling a four-year-old rye-infused bourbon with a label adorned by the 1982 masterpiece, Mecca.

 

Mecca is an explosion of color and energy, much like the city that fueled Basquiat's artistic fire. The painting features the unmistakable silhouette of the Empire State Building, a symbol of New York's ambition, alongside Basquiat's signature crown—perhaps a nod to his rapid rise to fame in the downtown art scene.

 

 

The bourbon itself ($45) is a tribute to both Basquiat’s legacy and New York’s unique terroir. Crafted with 100% New York-grown corn, malted barley, and rye, this 43% ABV spirit boasts a nose of dry corn, vanilla, and a hint of white pepper. The taste follows suit, with green grass and white pepper dancing on the palate.

 

To truly capture the artistic spirit, Great Jones has also partnered with fashion brand Rome Pays Off to create Mecca-inspired wares in the form of T-shirt, sweatshirt, and bucket hat.

 

 

• https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/great-jones-jean-michel-basquiat-bourbon-whiskey-1235696535/ 
• https://www.maxim.com/food-drink/art-legend-jean-michel-basquiat-honored-with-another-limited-edition-whiskey/ 
• https://hamptons.com/new-york-spirit-spirits-great-jones-x-basquiat-2-0-surf-lodge-takeover/ 

 

 

 

Images: Great Jones Distilling Co.