The trend of enlisting high-profile celebrities solely for endorsing drinks has become outdated. Instead, many of the world’s most renowned figures from the fields of entertainment, music, and sports are now launching and owning their own spirits brands, actively investing their time and resources into these ventures. Whether you have a taste for whisky, gin, Cognac, or vodka, there’s a celebrity brand waiting for you. Here, we explore ten of the most noteworthy options.
Aviation Gin / Ryan Reynolds
Let’s start with one of the top celebrity-owned drinks: Aviation Gin. Actor Ryan Reynolds not only co-owns this brand but is also deeply involved in its daily operations and creative vision.
This gin derives its name from the iconic Aviation cocktail, created by bartender Hugh Ensslin in early 20th-century New York. Produced in Portland, Oregon, it boasts seven essential botanicals, including unique ingredients like lavender and sarsaparilla.
Crystal Head Vodka / Dan Aykroyd
Canadian actor Dan Aykroyd was among the pioneers of celebrity spirits when he launched Crystal Head Vodka in 2008. Known for classics like *The Blues Brothers* and *Ghostbusters*, Aykroyd created the notable skull-shaped bottle in collaboration with designer John Alexander, inspiring numerous imitators.
This vodka is crafted from maize, distilled four times for a velvety smoothness, and filtered seven times for purity, before being mixed with pristine Canadian water from Newfoundland.
Teremana Tequila / Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, formerly a wrestling icon, has transitioned into a major film star and recently launched his tequila brand, Teremana. The name combines ‘tere’ (from the Latin word terra, meaning earth) and ‘mana’ (a term from Johnson’s Polynesian heritage referring to spirits).
The tequila is produced in small batches, utilizing slow-roasted blue agave and distilled using traditional copper pot stills in the highland region of Jalisco, Mexico.
D’Ussé Cognac / Jay-Z
Cognac has been a popular spirit among hip-hop artists, with many referencing well-known brands in their lyrics. Jay-Z has elevated this trend by creating his own version, D’Ussé.
This brandy is distilled and blended at Château de Cognac, one of the oldest producers in the region and located by the famous River Charentes. D’Ussé is offered in both VSOP (Very Special Old Pale) and XO (Extra Old) variants, along with an exquisite decanter.
Haig Club Whisky / David Beckham
This Scotch single grain whisky made its debut in 2014 as one of the first celebrity spirit brands. Named after the historical Haig blend, Haig Club quickly gained popularity and became one of the most discussed whisky launches.
Partially owned by footballer and style icon David Beckham, alongside Simon Fuller (former manager of The Spice Girls) and Diageo (Scotland’s largest whisky producer), Haig Club has attracted a new audience to whisky, emphasizing mixology and cocktail culture.
Proper No. Twelve Whiskey / Conor McGregor
This Irish whiskey, introduced in 2018, is the brainchild of renowned MMA fighter Conor McGregor. Originating from the Dublin area of Crumlin, McGregor gained global fame following his UFC debut in 2013, and Proper No. Twelve enjoyed similar success, selling over one million bottles within its first year.
The name is a nod to Crumlin, corresponding to Dublin’s postal code 12, and the whiskey is a blend of Irish single grain and single malt, produced by ‘Ireland’s oldest whiskey distillery.’ Its bold flavor reflects McGregor’s own dynamic persona.
Próspero Tequila / Rita Ora
Among the few spirits brands headed by a woman, Rita Ora’s Próspero Tequila is truly groundbreaking. Crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, it features the artistry of Stella Anguiano, one of the few female tequila distillers globally.
Ora recently joined as a shareholder and serves as the brand’s creative lead. Próspero is offered in three classic styles: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo.
Legendary heavy metal band Metallica introduced their American whiskey called Blackened in 2018. Crafted in collaboration with the late Dave Pickerell, a prominent figure in the bourbon industry, this whiskey blends bourbon, rye, and other selected American spirits.
The blend is aged in black brandy barrels while being exposed to low-frequency sounds from Metallica’s 1988 album *…And Justice For All*, enhancing its molecular interaction with the oak.
Indoggo Gin / Snoop Dogg
Inspired by his classic 90s hit *Gin & Juice*, rapper Snoop Dogg has launched Indoggo Gin, complementing his other venture, 19 Crimes, a Californian red wine brand. Designed with a relaxed Californian vibe, this gin features a secret mix of seven premium botanicals, including cinnamon, citrus peel, and coriander seed, blended with natural strawberry juice.
This ‘gin and juice’ concoction is perfect for parties; serve it over ice and top it with apple juice for an unbeatable combination.
GN Gin / Graham Norton
Well-known TV host Graham Norton enjoys sipping on a drink while interviewing guests and has now ventured into the spirits business with his GN gin line.
Made from 100% Irish grain, the gins are produced by the West Cork distillery in Ireland. The lineup includes a Pink Gin infused with fuchsia flowers and rose hips, a London dry-style Irish gin, and a Marmalade Gin with Seville oranges. Norton also offers vodka and a selection of wines under the same brand.
