Great Jones Distilling Co., New York City's first whiskey distillery since Prohibition, is paying tribute to legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat with the release of a new limited-edition whiskey. The distillery, located just a block away from Basquiat's former studio in Noho, has introduced a stunning bottle featuring Basquiat's 1982 artwork, "Mecca," which captures the iconic NYC skyline. The distillery previously introduced three limited-edition Basquiat bottles last summer, complete with an immersive distillery experience and pop-up bar modeled after Basquiat’s downtown New York City studio.
A Tribute to an Iconic Artist and City
Image credit: Great Jones Distilling
The new release, dubbed the Great Jones x Jean-Michel Basquiat Empire Edition, is a continuation of the distillery's series of Basquiat-themed bottles. This series began last summer with three limited-edition releases that included immersive experiences and a pop-up bar designed to mimic Basquiat’s downtown studio. The latest bottle, adorned with "Mecca," offers a visual homage to Basquiat’s significant influence on New York City's vibrant culture.
The whiskey itself is a 100 percent New York-made four-year-old straight bourbon. Priced at $39.99, the bottle will be available on online platforms like Total Wine. and at select New York bars and restaurants starting July 1st. In addition to the whiskey, a related apparel line featuring "Mecca" on t-shirts, sweatshirts, and bucket hats will also be available, celebrating Basquiat’s artistic legacy in style.
Unique Distillation and Artistic Influence
Great Jones Distilling Co. takes pride in its entirely New York-grown ingredients, including corn, malted barley, and rye. The bourbon is aged for four years in American oak barrels, resulting in a spirit that is as meticulously crafted as it is flavorful. Tasting notes from the brand describe the bourbon as having a nose of dry corn and cake batter, light vanilla, and hints of vegetable and white pepper. The palate offers a medium finish with a green grass and white pepper aftertaste, and a light to medium body.
Image credit: Great Jones Distilling
The "Mecca" artwork, created in 1982, the same year as Basquiat’s first exhibit, is a striking portrayal of the New York City skyline in bold orange, black, and white acrylics. The piece holds significant value in the art world, having been purchased by rapper Jay-Z for $4.5 million in 2013. This artwork now graces the Empire Edition bottle, making it a collector's item for both art and whiskey enthusiasts.
Celebrating the Collaboration
To celebrate this new release, Great Jones Distilling Co. is hosting a special event on July 2nd, 2024, at the Surf Lodge in Montauk. Known for its glamorous guest lists, top-tier musical performances, and stunning sunsets, the Surf Lodge provides a perfect backdrop for this celebration. The event will feature music by DJ St. Lucia, an exclusive bottle release, and a new capsule collection, along with signature cocktails and bites from Casa Serena, the Surf Lodge's new restaurant.
This event builds on the success of last year’s collaboration with the Basquiat Estate and highlights Great Jones’ commitment to honoring New York’s artistic heritage. Lander Otegui, senior vice president of marketing at Proximo Spirits, expressed pride in aligning Great Jones Whiskey with Basquiat, noting that this collaboration not only celebrates the artist’s legacy but also sets a new standard for craft distilling in Manhattan.
A Lasting Legacy
Great Jones Distilling Co.'s ongoing partnership with the Basquiat Estate continues to highlight the deep connection between art and spirits in New York City. By featuring Basquiat’s "Mecca" on their latest whiskey bottle, the distillery honors the artist's lasting impact on the city's cultural landscape. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a whiskey lover, this limited-edition release offers a unique way to celebrate Basquiat’s legacy and the spirit of New York City.
About Great Jones Distilling Co.
Great Jones Distilling Co. is a Manhattan-based whiskey distillery located in the NoHo neighborhood of New York City. It opened its doors in August 2021 and holds the distinction of being Manhattan's first whiskey distillery since the Prohibition era. Owned by Proximo, a prominent drinks company known for brands like Jose Cuervo tequila, Great Jones Distilling Co. focuses on producing small-batch whiskey. While the distillery operates in Manhattan, the whiskey it bottles comes from Black Dirt Distilling, another craft distillery owned by Proximo, situated upstate.
The core lineup of Great Jones includes bourbon, four-grain bourbon, and rye whiskey. The distillery gained notable attention for its artistic collaboration with the late Jean-Michel Basquiat, resulting in the release of three special-edition whiskeys featuring Basquiat's iconic artwork on their labels. These expressions include the Dinosaur Edition, the Skull Edition, and a distillery exclusive Pineau de Charentes Wine Cask-Finished Bourbon. The Pineau de Charentes-finished bourbon offers a unique flavor profile influenced by French oak casks and features Basquiat's crown artwork on the label.