Rapper Ja Rule Takes a Nod from Gin with Amber and Opal ‘Honey Botanical’ Rye Whiskey
Amber and Opal, a Black-owned whiskey brand helmed by a group of entrepreneurs including Ja Rule, is set to launch in winter. (Photo: Amber & Opal/Facebook)
The rapper Ja Rule is venturing into the whiskey business with the release of Amber and Opal, which was unveiled at the end of July. The flavored whiskey is described as a “premium honey botanical whiskey,” and its base consists of a rye whiskey from Maryland.
Amber and Opal’s rye whiskey spent two years aging in medium-charred American oak barrels. The brand shared that the whiskey possesses the “richness of all-natural honey, smokey black tea and wild botanicals with finishing notes of cinnamon, ginger and fig; resulting in a harmonious marriage of flavors that tantalizes the senses.”
Amber and Opal stated in a news release that the whiskey is the brainchild of a collaborative project between friends Herb Rice, Kelvin Barton, Sandy Sandiford and Ja Rule. The group shared that the goal of Amber and Opal is to focus on inclusion, and the whiskey is a form of “accessible luxury.”
“The name Amber & Opal reflects the richness and diversity of our whiskey and community,” Amber and Opal co-founder Herb Rice said. “The rich Amber hue symbolizes warmth, tradition and the golden moments we share with loved ones. Opal represents the beautiful diversity and inclusivity we celebrate. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Amber & Opal promises to deliver a rich and unique experience that will elevate any occasion.”
Though the process behind making Amber and Opal is unclear, a whiskey with the use of “botanicals” is definitely a rare find and appears to be a nod to the gin category. The Manual reported that Amber and Opal has an ABV of 40% and can be enjoyed neat or with mixers.
Zion Market Research shared that flavored whiskeys are expected to grow in terms of market size to $52.26 billion by the end of 2032. In this category, Fireball clearly leads the charge.
Other celebrities have gotten in on the flavored whiskey trend and in April, Jamie Foxx unveiled the re-vamped Brown Sugar Blend Whiskey, a brown sugar and cinnamon flavored whiskey. Amber and Opal appears to be getting in on the trend.
The flavored whiskey will be available in winter 2024, according to the brand and it hosts a proof of 80. The suggested retail price has yet to be released, but those interested in learning more about the whiskey brand can visit its website here.
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