New independent spirits bottler Rhythm and Booze Records is combining music and whisky in its inaugural release.
The company, which also encompasses a record label, is launching its first bottling on 6 July: a 13-year-old single cask release paired with a new EP from label co-founders Felipe Schrieberg and Paul Archibald, who play as blues duo The Rhythm and Booze Project.
The Rhythm and Booze Project 13 Years Old Single Sherry Butt Blended Malt has been matured in an ex-oloroso sherry cask and has been bottled at 50% ABV, with only 1,050 bottles available. The bottling's front label showcases an artistic likeness of the band, which a QR code on the back labels allows customers to stream and download the band's new EP.
Schrieberg said: “We want each of our releases to be a unique artistic statement for the ears, nose and palate. You won't find these songs on any streaming site for a very long time after we launch this new bottle.”
Archibald explains the ethos behind the release: “We create a pretty gritty, raucous sound, and in our performances we want our audience to be a part of that and enjoy it. We felt that the profile really manages to capture that in alcohol form. It’s quite rich and robust, but also surprisingly easy to drink.”
Schrieberg and Archibald have plenty of previous experience in combining whisky and music. As The Rhythm and Booze Project, they regularly incorporate whisky tastings into their gigs, put on blues and whisky-based theatre shows, and even build a bass drum out of a Scotch whisky cask. In addition to their musical exploits, Schrieberg is also an accomplished whisky writer (including for Whisky Magazine) and is a Keeper of the Quaich.
Rhythm and Booze records will initially feature bands that Schrieberg and Archibald play in but the roster of artists will be expanded in 2024.
Schrieberg added: “It sounds pretentious, but I really do believe that we’re just at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the sensory possibilities from combining top-quality spirits and music. We want to take this combination as far as we can, and provide an unforgettable experience to anyone that buys any of our bottles.”
Rhythm and Booze Records Release #1: The Rhythm and Booze Project 13 Years Old Single Sherry Butt Blended Malt is available to buy at dramfool.com, priced at £65.
