In a move that’s sure to shake up both the music and spirits industries, global superstar Taylor Swift has announced her latest venture: a series of whiskeys designed to celebrate her illustrious music career. The Bourbon & Banter team, known for their uncanny ability to sniff out the most intoxicating stories, got the inside scoop during Swift’s electrifying ‘Era’s’ tour last summer. Whispers of this project had been fermenting since then, and were finally confirmed amidst the pre-game buzz of the NFL playoffs.

For years, behind the scenes and unbeknownst to the public, Swift has been meticulously crafting this project with the guidance of Peggy Noe Stevens, the visionary founder of Bourbon Women. This collaboration has brought Swift together with a quartet of the industry’s most distinguished distillers: Rebecca Harris of Catoctin Creek, Heather Greene of Milam & Greene, Britt Kulsveen of Willett, and Elizabeth McCall of Woodford Reserve. Their meetings, held under the guise of Swift’s 1989 tour stops in Houston, Washington D.C., and Louisville back in 2015, laid the groundwork for what promises to be a groundbreaking series.

At just 26, Swift caught the whiskey bug, inspired by band members who savored a dram post-performance. Realizing the potential within the burgeoning American whiskey scene, she embarked on a journey to distilleries during tour breaks. There, alongside her newfound mentors, Swift delved into the art of whiskey tasting and selection, compiling notes to create blends that would bear her signature touch.

The result is a collection as diverse as Swift’s discography, featuring barrels aged 7-8 years, each corresponding to one of her iconic albums. But there’s a twist – each whiskey release is paired with an exclusive “barrel proof” NFT, unlocking a vault of digital delights, including unseen concert footage, a 30-minute acoustic set recorded at the distillery, and a virtual happy hour with Swift and friends.

This whiskey series is a harmonious blend of music, craftsmanship, and technology, born from Swift’s partnership with the Bourbon Women organization. The official announcement is set to stir the spirits world at this year’s Bourbon Classic.

Here’s a sneak peek at the lineup:

• Tortured Poets KY Straight Bourbon Whiskey: A nod to Swift’s lyrical depth, this 115 proof bourbon from Noah’s Mill, selected with Britt Kulsveen, promises complexity and character.
• Midnight Smoke Rye Whiskey: Paired with the ‘Midnights’ album, this 92-proof rye by Catoctin Creek is finished with smoked staves for a sultry sip.
• Evermore Four Cask American Whiskey: A blend reflecting Swift’s eclectic sound, combining Texas and Kentucky bourbons, Tennessee whiskey, and Pennsylvania rye, curated with Heather Greene.
• Double Lover: A Woodford Reserve Double Oaked expression, aged in Cabernet barrels for a 90.4 proof romance, crafted alongside Elizabeth McCall.
• Red Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Whiskey: A tribute to Swift’s ‘Red’ era, this soft red winter wheat bourbon is a collaboration with Nancy Frahley, rumored to have a touch of Kansas City Chief’s magic.

Stay tuned for more on this intoxicating fusion of melodies and malts. The Bourbon & Banter team remains your exclusive source for the latest in high spirits and high notes.

Remember to listen to our most recent podcast episode, Taylor Takes a Drink, where we first broke news of the Taylor Swift Whiskey Collection.