Country music star Eric Church and entrepreneur Raj Alva’s Outsiders Spirits has unveiled its first spirit, Jypsi whiskey. The new offering is “a contemporary interpretation of the ‘Jypsi Spirit’ in all of us that seeks adventure and deeper meaning,” says the brand.
The first release, Whiskey Jypsi Legacy Batch 001, recently won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Based on a traditional bourbon mash bill, the new bottling sources individual aged whiskey components from various origins, then blends them to recreate the mash bill.
“Whiskey Jypsi celebrates doing things the unconventional way. It’s the commitment to the creative spirit, the process and the journey that excite me the most” says Church. “It’s meant to inspire others to take chances like we have – follow a different path and enjoy and experience life at its fullest.”
As serious whiskey enthusiasts but not yet experts in making it, Outsiders sought the help of experienced masters in the art and science of the spirit who could reimagine the traditional whiskey industry conventions – and bring a series of rich, complex blends of whiskey and bourbon to life in a variety of releases over time. After meetings with various master distillers and blenders, they chose Ari Sussman for their first release.
“I was excited to work with these guys because it all centered on quality and creativity,” Sussman notes. “There were no rules or parameters. It just had to be the finest whiskey possible. Period.”
Sussman is the former head of Spirits Development at the Artisan Distilling Program at Michigan State University, and an award-winning whiskey maker. Before he entered the whiskey world, Ari worked in the vineyards of Bordeaux, raised ostriches and grew almonds with Bedouin tribes, and lived in an Israeli kibbutz.
“Eric’s music led the way to Jypsi’s unique mix,” says Sussman. “I immersed myself in Eric’s music, thinking it just might influence my process,” adds Sussman. “What I discovered was a rich, diverse blend of music and an artist who doesn’t conform to the usual norms. That inspired me, so I took that road in creating the premiere batch of Whiskey Jypsi.”
Whiskey Jypsi’s Legacy 001 release promises to be just the first of many expressions at various price points.
Whiskey Jypsi has partnered with ReserveBar to make Legacy Batch 001 available in 38 states for the price of $199.99. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.