When it come to whiskeys and other spirits, it can start to feel like every idea has already been done.
Unique blends, barrel finishes, aging barrels on ocean liners and sending bottles to space...
But modeling expressions after B movies and creating associated storyboards, scripts and trailers—that's a new one.
Filmland Spirits is a new company that approaches whiskey production much like making a feature film. Based in Los Angeles, with whiskeys sourced from across the country and then blended in Kentucky, they launched in 2020 but just released their first products this month. You can find bottles online and in select stores in California and Kentucky.
Most spirit makers start with a grain bill, or are inspired by the land or how wood influences liquid, but Filmland takes a different approach. The creative team starts with their vision for an original B-movie concept. This evolves into a real script with robots and monsters, heroes and villains. From there, the company designs an original movie poster in retro pulp-style art consistent with the B-movie genre, which becomes the front label for each expression.
The bottles feature each story on the back labels, showing the movie's synopsis and main characters. And for anyone who wants to know more, the website lets you read snippets of the scripts, view storyboards and even watch animated trailers.
There's a lot going on here, but the actual booze was well received at the San Francisco Spirits competition, with its three bottles taking home two golds and a silver. Here's what you're working with.
Moonlight Mayhem! Bourbon
This small batch straight bourbon whiskey was aged in American white oak casks for a minimum of four years. It has notes of cherry and citrus on the nose, vanilla and caramel on the palate, and an intricate finish of toffee and toasted oak. 47% ABV / $54.99
Moonlight Mayhem! Extended Cut Cask Strength Bourbon
This bourbon starts out the same as the regular Moonlight Mayhem, but is bottled at a boozier cask strength. It's full of cherry and chocolate on the nose and palate, moving to a long, creamy mouthfeel with cacao, leather and applewood. 57.5% ABV / $79.99
Ryes of the Robots Rye Whiskey
This small batch straight rye was aged in American white oak barrels for at least four years. It has spicy notes of cinnamon and clove on the nose, mint and pepper on the palate, and a long, chocolatey finish with subtle hints of oak. 47% ABV / $59.99
