We are in the midst of a golden age of celebrity-owned liquor brands. It seems like every notable person—from D-list reality stars to Academy Award winners and hall-of-fame athletes—is selling whiskey, tequila, rum, and other spirits. But while there are countless celebrity-driven brands to choose from, not all of them worth your time.
But it’s not all overpriced bottom-shelf swill, either. There are a handful of boozy diamonds among all the cubic zirconia. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite expressions you’ll actually want to add to your home bar. Keep scrolling to see all the finds, from tequilas to bourbons and more.
Pursued by Bear Wine
You might know Kyle MacLachlan for his roles in Twin Peaks, Portlandia, and Fallout, but did you know he owns an acclaimed wine brand as well? It’s called Pursued by Bear Wine. Based in Walla Walla, Washington, it makes a variety of noteworthy wines including a Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé, and a Syrah. We’re particular fans of the chocolate-cherry notes in the cab.
Buy: $76.99
Aviation Gin
Actor Ryan Reynolds of Deadpool fame loved Aviation so much that he bought it back in 2017. It was sold to Diageo in 2020, but Reynolds retains an ownership interest and remains a big part of the brand’s advertising. Aviation is an award-winning, balanced gin that’s made with botanicals including juniper, anise seed, sarsaparilla, coriander, cardamon, bitter orange peel, and lavender. It’s a great choice to add extra dimension to your gin and tonic.
Buy: $44.99
Teremana Tequila
Meaning "spirit of the earth," Dwayne Johnson launched Teremana in 2020, and the brand soon started racking up awards in prestigious competitions all over the world. Made at Destilería Teremana de Agave in Jesus Maria, Mexico, this sustainable brand currently makes three expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. We’re loving the Añejo, which is made from 100 percent Blue Weber agave. Matured in American oak barrels, expect a flavor profile marked by oaky wood, toasted vanilla beans, and roasted agave sweetness.
Buy: $48.99
Sweetens Cove Bourbon
Co-owned by hall-of-famers Peyton Manning and Andy Roddick, Sweetens Cove’s blends are crafted by Marianne Eaves, the first female master distiller in Kentucky since Prohibition. Currently, the brand makes Sweetens Cove Kennessee (a blend of Tennessee and Kentucky bourbons), Sweetens Cove 2021 Special Release (a blend of three Tennessee bourbons), and Sweetens Cove 2022 Special Release (a blend of Tennessee bourbons aged in Speyside single-malt Scotch barrels). We’re fond of the Kennessee, which offers surprising value and drinkability for a cask-strength blend.
Buy: $57.99
Singani 63
You might know Steven Soderbergh as the director of movies like Traffic and Magic Mike. He’s also the owner of one of the most unique celebrity liquor brands out there. This Bolivian brandy made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes is distilled in the Andes Mountains. He first tried it when he was filming the movie Che and was determined to bring it to the U.S. This un-aged spirit has a complex flavor profile featuring notes of grapes, vanilla, cracked black pepper, and floral finish. It’s sweet, nuanced, and leaves you craving more.
Buy: $38.99
Two Paddocks Wine
Sam Neill is more than just a well-known actor, best-known for Jurassic Park. He’s also a well-known wine-maker. Located in Central Otago, New Zealand, Two Paddocks has been crafting award-winning wine since 1993. Some of its more notable wines include Proprietor's Reserve, Two Paddocks Estate, and the popular Two Paddocks Picnic.
Buy: $84.99
Mulholland Distilling
Actor Walton Goggins and cinematographer Matthew Alper named their distillery in honor of the hugely influential Los Angeles civil engineer William Mulholland. They produce award-winning gin, whisky, and even a gluten-free vodka. We recommend the Mulholland New World Gin, which is made with juniper and fir pine essences, French lavender, Persian lime, and Japanese cucumber.
Buy: $27.99
Dos Hombres Mezcal
The “Dos Hombres” that founded this popular mezcal brand are actors Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, who are best known as the two main characters on Breaking Bad. The brand makes two award-winning expressions: Espadin Mezcal and the limited-edition Tobala Mezcal. The former is made from 100 percent Espadin agave and is known for its flavors of orchard fruits, mangos, charred woods, tropical fruits, and just a hint of warming, sweet smoke.
Buy: $47.99
Heaven's Door Spirits
Co-founded by beloved singer Bob Dylan and named after his art studio, Heaven’s Door is an award-winning whiskey brand located in Pleasureville, Kentucky. It makes a variety of whiskeys including Heaven’s Door Ascension (Kentucky Straight Bourbon), Heaven’s Door Revival (Tennessee Straight Bourbon), Heaven’s Door Revelation (double barrel bourbon), Heaven’s Door Refuge (straight rye whiskey), as well as its Bootleg Series, Exploration Series, Decade Series, Trilogy Collection, and more. The distillery’s handy gift set lets you sample a 200ml bottle of three of its most popular creations.
Buy: $44.99
