FEW Spirits, an innovative distillery based in Evanston, Illinois, is making waves in the whiskey world with its latest release, the Icons of Rock Collection. Known for their fearless approach to creating bold and experimental spirits, FEW has teamed up with iconic rock bands to produce three limited-edition whiskeys that capture the rebellious spirit of rock and roll. This one-of-a-kind collection includes Motor Oil Whiskey, a tribute to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club; All Secrets Known, made in collaboration with Alice in Chains; and The Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon, crafted with the legendary Smashing Pumpkins.
Image credit: FEW Spirits
This marks the first time that all three of these highly sought-after whiskeys have been available together in one collection, providing fans of both rock and whiskey with a unique opportunity to sample an exciting blend of flavors that reflect the distinct personalities of each band. The Icons of Rock Collection is available exclusively through FEW Spirits’ website for a retail price of $149.99, with availability in select shipping states.
FEW Spirits’ Unique Take on Rock and Roll
Paul Hletko, founder and master distiller at FEW Spirits, has long been drawn to the defiant nature of rock and roll, which is evident in his approach to crafting whiskey. Hletko sees a deep connection between the artistry and independent spirit of bands like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Alice in Chains, and The Smashing Pumpkins. Each of these bands has established a reputation for going against the grain and forging their own path in the music industry—a trait that Hletko has aimed to reflect in his whiskey-making.
Image credit: FEW Spirits
In a recent press release, Hletko shared his admiration for these bands, saying, “The common thread between what we do at FEW and what these incredible artists do through their music is a willingness to chart your own course.” He added that if he can’t join them on stage, creating a whiskey collection in their honor is “the next best thing.”
The Whiskeys of the Icons of Rock Collection
Each whiskey in the Icons of Rock Collection has been meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the band it represents, utilizing unique aging processes and finishes to bring out distinct flavors.
1. Motor Oil Whiskey – Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
The Motor Oil Whiskey is FEW’s homage to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, a band known for its raw, gritty style. This whiskey is a blend of three different whiskeys: FEW Bourbon finished in rum barrels, FEW Bourbon finished in vermouth barrels, and a mesquite-smoked wheat whiskey. The combination results in a complex, smoky profile that perfectly embodies the rebellious, road-trip vibe associated with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
The rum barrel imparts grassy sweetness, while the vermouth finish adds herbal, bitter notes, creating a unique balance with the smoky flavor from the mesquite. Bottled at 101 proof, Motor Oil Whiskey has a robust character that will appeal to fans looking for something bold and unconventional.
2. All Secrets Known – Alice in Chains
Named after “All Secrets Known,” the title track of Alice in Chains’ fourth studio album, this whiskey is as bold and intense as the Seattle-based grunge icons themselves. FEW crafted this whiskey by finishing their bourbon in tequila barrels for six months, which enhances the bourbon’s naturally sweet and spicy notes with the distinct grassy undertones of agave.
Bottled at 101 proof, All Secrets Known showcases the perfect blend of FEW’s signature bourbon flavors combined with the subtle complexity brought on by the tequila barrel finish. The whiskey has a memorable depth and spice that reflects the layered and introspective nature of Alice in Chains’ music.
3. The Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon
The final whiskey in the collection is The Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon, a 93-proof bottling that draws inspiration from the innovative style of the band. Crafted from FEW’s signature straight bourbon, this whiskey was aged for four years and cut to bottling strength using Midnight Rose black tea, sourced from Madame Zuzu’s Emporium. This unique tea shop is owned by Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and his wife, entrepreneur Chloé Mendel Corgan.
The Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon combines classic bourbon flavors of vanilla and caramel with the floral notes of rose water, honeydew, and sandalwood, creating a complex, aromatic profile that’s unlike any other whiskey. This floral and slightly sweet infusion from the black tea elevates the traditional bourbon, much like The Smashing Pumpkins' music adds an avant-garde twist to the rock genre.
Where to Buy the FEW Spirits Icons of Rock Collection
The Icons of Rock Collection is exclusively available through FEW Spirits' direct-to-consumer channel for a suggested retail price of $149.99. This limited release brings together three unique whiskeys that offer not only a celebration of rock history but also a distinctive tasting experience.
For whiskey enthusiasts and rock fans alike, the Icons of Rock Collection offers a way to enjoy the flavors and spirit of each of these iconic bands, making it an exciting addition to the world of artisanal spirits. Whether enjoyed on its own or shared with friends, this collection reflects the true essence of rock and roll—bold, adventurous, and unapologetically unique.
About FEW Spirits
FEW Spirits is a craft distillery located in Evanston, Illinois, renowned for its innovative approach to whiskey and other spirits. Founded in 2011 by Paul Hletko, FEW Spirits was the first distillery to legally operate in Evanston, a city historically known for its stringent stance on alcohol due to its ties to the temperance movement. The name "FEW" is a playful nod to Frances Elizabeth Willard, a key figure in the temperance movement and a prominent resident of Evanston.
FEW Spirits stands out for its dedication to high-quality, small-batch production. The distillery sources local grains and uses traditional methods to create a range of spirits, including bourbon, rye whiskey, and gin. Each product reflects a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to innovation, blending classic techniques with modern flair.
One of FEW's flagship products is its FEW Bourbon, a unique expression that deviates from the standard Kentucky style. This bourbon features a high corn content but incorporates malted barley and a significant amount of rye, giving it a distinctive spicy and sweet flavor profile. The bourbon is aged in smaller barrels to accelerate the maturation process, resulting in a robust and complex spirit with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
FEW Rye Whiskey is another standout, known for its bold and peppery character. The rye whiskey showcases the distillery's ability to produce a spirit that is both intense and balanced, with flavors of cinnamon, clove, and dark fruit. This rye has garnered acclaim for its quality and distinctiveness, earning a place among the notable rye whiskies in the market.
In addition to whiskey, FEW Spirits produces a variety of gins, including FEW American Gin and FEW Barrel-Aged Gin. These gins are crafted with a unique blend of botanicals and reflect the distillery's innovative spirit. The barrel-aged gin, in particular, combines the botanical complexity of gin with the rich, oaky characteristics imparted by aging in whiskey barrels, creating a one-of-a-kind flavor experience.
FEW Spirits has gained recognition and numerous awards for its products, solidifying its reputation as a leading craft distillery. The distillery offers tours and tastings, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the craftsmanship and passion that go into each bottle. By combining traditional distilling methods with creative experimentation, FEW Spirits continues to push the boundaries of what craft distilling can achieve, making it a notable player in the American spirits industry.