Great Jones Distilling Co. Reimagines Jean-Michel Basquiat Bourbon in Black, White and Orange

(Photo: Great Jones Distillery)

New York City’s Great Jones Distilling Co. is once again paying homage to local icon Jean-Michel Basquiat with an abstract rendition of the brand’s flagship spirits recipe.

On Thursday, the distiller unveiled Empire Edition Straight Bourbon, a 43%-ABV whiskey adorned with the artwork of Basquiat’s acclaimed 1982 work “Mecca.” Great Jones previously honored the artist in 2023 with a pair of bourbons that incorporated arguably his most famous iconography, “Pez Dispenser” and “Untitled (Skull).” All releases in the ongoing series revolve around the same spirit, which is distilled from 100% New York-grown corn, malted barley and rye before aging four years in American oak barrels.

“Mecca” interprets the New York City skyline in bold orange, black and white acrylics characteristic of the artist’s stripped-down Neo-expressionist style. The piece was created the same year as Basquiat’s first exhibit, making it something of a collector’s piece for those interested in his rise to stardom. The painting was eventually purchased by rapper Jay-Z at auction in 2013 for a reported $4.5 million — a lowball compared to the likes of “Untitled (Skull),” which sold for $110.5 million only five years later.

If you don’t mind scaling down the details, Great Jones’ bottled-sized version of “Mecca” now be found online at $45. The release is accompanied by a merch capsule designed by Rome Pays Off featuring a T-shirt, sweatshirt and bucket hat.

“In continuing our partnership with Jean-Michel Basquiat, we are proud to align Great Jones Whiskey with a New York icon whose art represents the vibrant culture of downtown New York,” Lander Otegui, senior vice president of marketing at Proximo Spirits, said in a news release. “With this special edition bottle release we are paying homage to Basquiat’s legacy on Great Jones Street, while also setting a new standard for craft distilling in Manhattan using entirely New York ingredients, to make our award-winning whiskeys.”

Located a stone’s throw away from Greenwich Village, Great Jones is Manhattan’s first and only whiskey distillery operated since Prohibition. The brand’s headquarters are located a five-minute walk from 57 Great Jones Street, the apartment where Basquiat lived between 1983 and 1988 before his untimely passing.

Great Jones Straight Bourbon Tasting Notes, Per the Brand

• Nose: Dry corn and cake batter, light vanilla, vegetable and white pepper hints.
• Palate: Medium finish with a green grass and white pepper aftertaste.
• Body: Light/Medium

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