The acclaimed Scottish actor Graham McTavish, known for his memorable roles as Dwalin in "The Hobbit" trilogy, Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Dougal MacKenzie in "Outlander," has ventured into the world of spirits with the launch of his own brand, McTavish Spirits. Breaking from the tradition of Scotch whisky that his homeland is famous for, McTavish has chosen to make his debut with a distinctly American offering - a 7-year-old Bottled-In-Bond bourbon named "The Warchief."
The American Dream, Embodied in a Bottle
The choice to create an American bourbon reflects McTavish's personal journey and his deep admiration for what he calls the "true American spirit." In his own words, "As a Scotsman who grew up dreaming of America, this whiskey is the perfect expression of my own life path and of my love for the true 'American spirit.'"
McTavish's vision for McTavish Spirits extends beyond just crafting exceptional whiskey. His mission is to foster a vibrant community where people can come together over their shared love for whiskey and other spirits, transcending geographical boundaries.
The Warchief: A Bottled-In-Bond Masterpiece
The star attraction of McTavish Spirits' debut is "The Warchief," a 7-year Bottled-In-Bond bourbon, bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). What sets Bottled-In-Bond whiskeys apart is the rigorous quality standards they must meet - they are distilled in a single season, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 100 proof, among other requirements.
The Warchief is distilled by MGP and boasts a mashbill that comprises 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. This carefully crafted bourbon promises a flavor profile that is as complex and nuanced as the actor himself, appealing to both novice and seasoned whiskey enthusiasts.
A Bold Departure from Celebrity Whiskey Norms
McTavish's foray into the world of spirits is nothing short of a bold departure from the typical celebrity-driven whiskey brands known for their flashy marketing and often subpar quality. "The Warchief" stands in contrast as a testament to McTavish's dedication to creating a high-quality product that pays homage to the rich history of American bourbon.
While celebrity whiskey brands have sometimes been criticized for their lack of authenticity, McTavish Spirits aims to challenge this status quo. Their goal is to redefine what it means to be a "celebrity" brand by focusing on craftsmanship, heritage, and the true essence of whiskey.
A Limited Release and How to Get Your Hands on It
"The Warchief" is the first limited release in the McTavish Spirits portfolio, carefully hand-selected by Graham McTavish himself. This bourbon pays homage to the American tradition of bourbon history while honoring the Scottish immigrants who played a pivotal role in shaping American whiskey culture.
For those eager to experience "The Warchief," it is exclusively available for purchase on the McTavish Spirits website at www.mctavishspirits.com, with a retail price of $75 per bottle (excluding tax and shipping). However, it's important to note that it will not be available in several states, including Oklahoma, Michigan, Utah, Massachusetts, South Dakota, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavors
According to McTavish Spirits, "The Warchief" offers a sensory journey that delights the palate:
- Nose: Aromas of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of chocolate, with subtle undertones of baking spices and dark cherry.
- Palate: A sweet vanilla note on the front of the palate, complemented by subtle rye baking spice.
- Finish: A satisfying finish characterized by dark cherry and caramel.
Conclusion: A Whiskey with a Rich Heritage
Graham McTavish's McTavish Spirits and its debut release, "The Warchief," represent a fusion of heritage, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the American bourbon tradition. As McTavish invites whiskey enthusiasts and novices alike to embark on an unforgettable journey through his spirits, he challenges the conventions of celebrity-driven brands and sets a new standard for quality and authenticity in the world of whiskey. With "The Warchief," McTavish aims to unite people in their shared love for spirits, transcending boundaries and creating a vibrant community of whiskey aficionados.
About Graham McTavish
Graham McTavish has established himself as a versatile and seasoned actor in Hollywood. He currently graces the screen in two prominent roles: as a cast member of the Emmy-nominated HBO drama series "HOUSE OF THE DRAGON" and as a series regular in Netflix's critically acclaimed drama series "THE WITCHER." Additionally, McTavish is set to lend his narration skills to the international version of Love Nature's documentary "THE OCEAN'S GREATEST FEAST," which follows South Africa's annual sardine run.
Furthermore, McTavish made waves with his appearance in Starz' award-winning travel adventure series "MEN IN KILTS: A ROADTRIP WITH SAM AND GRAHAM," co-starring alongside his longtime friend Sam Heughan. The show, which explores the history and culture of Scotland as the duo embarks on a journey across the country, garnered multiple awards and nominations, including accolades at The American Reality Television Awards and the Critics' Choice Television Awards. Its success led to the greenlighting of a second season, this time taking them to New Zealand.
McTavish and Heughan also co-authored the acclaimed book "CLANLANDS: WHISKY, WARFARE, AND A SCOTTISH ADVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER," based on their experiences from the show. The book achieved the status of a bestseller, ranking at #1 on The New York Times and USA Today's lists, with the audio version earning an Audie Award for Best History/Biography. Their collaboration continued with another well-received title, "THE CLANLANDS ALMANAC: SEASONAL STORIES FROM SCOTLAND."
In McTavish's extensive filmography, standout roles include his portrayal of Dwalin, the valiant warrior dwarf, in Peter Jackson's blockbuster trilogy "THE HOBBIT," as well as his appearance in Warner Bros.' hit film "AQUAMAN." He has also been seen in films such as "THE FINEST HOURS," "CREED," and on television, starring as The Saint of Killers in the AMC series "PREACHER" and as Dougal MacKenzie in the award-winning Starz series "OUTLANDER."
McTavish embarked on his career in London, where he contributed to diverse projects such as "RED DWARF," Brian Blessed's "KING LEAR," and the miniseries "EMPIRE." During this time, he took on leading roles in renowned UK theaters, including the Royal Court and National Theatres in London, as well as the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh.
His journey in Los Angeles began with a leading role in Lionsgate's "RAMBO" alongside Sylvester Stallone, and since then, McTavish has consistently worked in a wide range of television and film roles, including the character Mikhail Novakovich on the final season of Fox's "24" and appearances in projects like "SECRETARIAT," "MIDDLE MEN," and "COLUMBIANA."
McTavish has also garnered a dedicated fan base for his voice work, notably as Dante Aligheri in the animated film and video game adaptation of "DANTE'S INFERNO" and as the voice of Loki in animated TV series like "HULK VS. THOR" and "THE AVENGERS: EARTH'S MIGHTIEST HEROES," among other notable voice acting credits.
Currently, McTavish splits his time between New Zealand and London, continuing to make his mark in the world of entertainment with his diverse and captivating performances.
About McTavish Spirits: A Newcomer to the Whiskey Scene
McTavish Spirits is a new spirits brand founded by Scottish actor Graham McTavish. Here's what you need to know about the brand.
McTavish Spirits' Philosophy
McTavish Spirits is committed to producing high-quality spirits that showcase the best of Scottish and American whiskey-making traditions. The brand's master distillers meticulously blend the finest malts and grains to create the perfect flavor profile for each release.
Graham McTavish: Actor and Whiskey Enthusiast
Graham McTavish is a Scottish actor who is best known for his roles in Outlander and The Hobbit trilogy. He is also a whiskey enthusiast and has been involved in the whiskey industry for several years. McTavish has said that he has always been fascinated by the art of whiskey-making and that he wanted to create a brand that reflected his passion for the spirit.
The Future of McTavish Spirits
The Warchief is just the beginning for McTavish Spirits. The brand has plans to release more spirits in the future, including Scotch whiskies With McTavish's passion for whiskey and the brand's commitment to quality, McTavish Spirits is sure to be a newcomer to watch in the whiskey industry.
