Brett CallwoodLemmy, may he rest in peace, loved his bourbon and Coke. So much so, in fact, that fans petitioned to have a Jack Daniels & Coke officially renamed a “Lemmy.” So it’s somewhat appropriate that, in honor of the fact that the classic Ace of Spades album is 40 years old, an official Motorhead bourbon is being released.
Sadly, we’ll never know what Lemmy would make of it. He knew what he liked and he stuck by it. But those who have the responsibility and the legal rights to use the Motorhead name have decided that this is fair game, so there we go.
The limited batch of cask strength bourbon is being produced in collaboration with Global Brews and the Hillrock distillery. Only 1100 bottles have been made, and each one comes in a rather fancy and quite lovely box illustrated with the Motorhead logo. The bottles are individuality numbers — the packaging is lovely.
Here’s the info for the bourbon-heads: “A lush and velvety expression of Hillrock’s Solera Aged Bourbon amplified by this undiluted proof. Specially selected for its delicate balance of proof and flavor, as well as its incredibly long finish. A truly decanter worthy bottling. Cask #1 was bottled at 115.6ᵒ and limited to 599 bottles, ABV of 57.8%. Cask #2 was bottled at 115.3ᵒ and limited to 623 bottles, ABV 57.65%.”
But the proof is in the pudding. The aroma is unmistakable; delicate and oaky, yet arguably sharper than other, more mainstream bourbons. It hits the back of the nose way faster. That’s unsurprising — Jack Daniels was lowered to 80 proof but with an ABV of over 57%, this baby is 100 proof. Not to be messed with.
In a tumbler over ice, sipped while writing, Hillrock’s Motorhead bourbon is magnificent. The tongue tingles, the throat goes warm with the merest tickle of liquor, then the flavors come. That beautiful woody, corny perfumed punch. This isn’t a bourbon for beginners, but one has to imagine that Lemmy would have approved.
Purists will scoff, but the real test is how it tastes with Coke. That’s how the big man drank it, and that’s surely how he’d want it. The goods news it, it’s utterly delicious. It’s a strong, hearty bourbon & Coke that is perfect for this holiday period.
No surprises there; Hillrock know what they’re doing. “Based in historic Hudson Valley they are the first U.S. distillery since Prohibition to floor malt and hand craft whiskey on site from estate-grown grain,” reads a press release. “To date, Hillrock has won over 80 gold medals in major competitions and has established an outstanding reputation for premium quality and innovation.”
So treat yourself. And while you’re at it, if you have a spare few bucks, treat yourself to the Ace of Spades anniversary box set too.
Enjoy both simultaneously, and you have one hell of a party.
Available from mashandgrape.com
