Beyoncé is known for her iconic music and style, but now, she’s stepping into the whiskey market with her own brand: Sir Davis Rye. While the venture is backed by luxury conglomerate Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), this whiskey has already sparked intrigue and criticism. Here, we break down what makes this bottle stand out—and where it might fall short.

The backstory for Sir Davis Rye is built on Beyoncé’s roots. The company claims that Beyoncé’s great-grandfather, Davis Hogue, was a moonshiner—a detail aimed at grounding the brand in authenticity. However, some reviewers and whiskey aficionados have questioned this narrative, as no concrete evidence supports Hogue’s moonshining past. Additionally, while Beyoncé’s drink of choice is said to be whiskey, public images of her enjoying it are scarce.

Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton teamed up with master distiller Bill Lumsden, renowned for his work with Glenmorangie Scotch, to create Sir Davis Rye. However, Lumsden’s expertise in Scotch—rather than American whiskey—has raised questions about his familiarity with the product’s audience and nuances.

Lumsden reportedly said he had “never tasted anything like” this whiskey, which some attribute to the unique Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry cask finishing process. While this finish does add complexity, finishing rye whiskey in PX casks is not entirely new. Other brands, including Sagamore Spirits, have done so before, leading some to question if Sir Davis Rye’s approach is really that innovative.

Sir Davis Rye presents itself as a premium product, boasting “the complexity of rye” and “the elegance of malted barley” on its label. For seasoned whiskey fans, this is somewhat standard. Many rye whiskies contain malted barley, an ingredient that facilitates fermentation, so highlighting it on the label feels like marketing fluff.

Furthermore, the brand made a notable stylistic choice by spelling “whiskey” without an “e” (as “whisky”). In the U.S., most distillers follow the traditional spelling “whiskey,” while the “whisky” spelling is standard in Scotland and a few other countries. This decision suggests a possible lack of familiarity with the American market.

The label states that Sir Davis Rye is from the “Davis Hogue Distilling Co.” in Houston, Texas. However, investigations revealed no such distillery exists in Houston. The whiskey is actually bottled by Giant Texas Distillers, which also bottles several other brands. This setup is not unusual, but the mystery around the distillery raises questions about the product’s transparency and authenticity.

Sir Davis Rye is labeled as a “rye whiskey,” not a “straight rye whiskey.” According to U.S. law, if a whiskey is younger than two years old, it cannot be labeled as “straight.” Additionally, the absence of an age statement implies it might be younger than four years old, as products under this age must include an age statement on the bottle.

This leads to speculation that the whiskey was under four years old when bottled but aged for some additional time in PX Sherry casks. While this finishing process can add depth, it also skirts around disclosing a lower age, which might deter whiskey enthusiasts from purchasing.

On the nose, Sir Davis Rye presents aromas typical of PX Sherry finishes: dried fruit, particularly raisin and cherry. On the palate, it has flavors of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon—a classic profile for MGP rye, known for its spice-forward notes. The 88-proof whiskey lacks the intensity many whiskey aficionados expect, given that higher-proof bottlings often carry more concentrated flavors.

While it’s pleasant, it might not stand out in a crowded market where fans often seek more robust, complex profiles.

At a retail price of $89.99, Sir Davis Rye positions itself as a premium whiskey. For those less familiar with the nuances of the whiskey world, the Beyoncé brand name and the luxury association with LVMH could make it appealing. However, experienced drinkers may find better value elsewhere, especially since similar PX Sherry-finished ryes from well-regarded distillers are available at more affordable prices.

In summary, Sir Davis Rye offers an intriguing story and smooth taste, but the branding and marketing choices might fall short for seasoned enthusiasts. The absence of a clear distillery, the choice to omit age and classification details, and the high price tag may make this one a tough sell. While it’s certainly not a bad whiskey, the overall execution suggests it may be more of a one-time experience rather than a staple on any whiskey lover’s shelf.