Latest news with #JonBuscemi
Forbes
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
This 'Luxury' Rye Blend Is A Fusion Of Kentucky, Indiana, & California
Probably better known to whiskey fanatics than casual drinkers, Wolves is a California-based whiskey brand noted for its explorations in the realm of American Single Malt. Founded in 2015 by UNDEFEATED apparel founder James Bond and fashion designer Jon Buscemi, the brand was one of the earliest in American whiskey to plant its flag in the 'luxury' market. Of course, calling oneself a luxury brand and delivering on that promise are two separate things, especially given an increasingly knowledgeable—and discerning—drinking public. Wolves has thus focused on two main endeavors in order to carve out its high-end market share. The first is a continuing line of American single malts produced by Master Distiller Marko Karakasevic, who also heads production operations at cult favorite (and unabashedly eccentric) California distillery Charbay. The second is a line of collaborative blends, most notably with Willett Distillery out of Bardstown, Kentucky. Willett itself has a large cult following, and even that's probably an understatement. The family-owned and operated distillery produces much of its own distillate for legacy labels like Old Bardstown, Rowan's Creek, and Noah's Mill. But it's the Willett Family Estate line of releases that has kept the high-end market in a partial headlock, especially via a string of coveted single barrel releases sourced from a variety of other Kentucky distilleries. Those 'sourced' Willett Family Estate (WFE) bottles can often command thousands depending on age and suspected pedigree. The program also provided the whiskey for some of American whiskey's most expensive resold bottlings, including the legendary Red Hook Rye. As Willett's own house-distilled bourbon and rye reaches the 12 year-plus mark, it's also proven popular under the WFE label. The latest Wolves X Willett release is their third in a line of blended ryes, this time marrying 10 year Kentucky rye barrels from Willett with 10 year Indiana rye, aged for its final three years in Northern California. We don't know the exact blend breakdown, but we do have some clues as far as sourcing. That Indiana component was selected by Wolves' Head Blender Eddie Gonzalez and likely came from Ross & Squibb (formerly MGP). The Kentucky component could be either in-house Willett rye or liquid sourced from another Kentucky producer; the brands haven't publicly specified. "Partnering with Willett on this release has been an honor," says Jennifer Marks, President of Wolves, in a press statement. "This rare blend reflects our shared dedication to craftsmanship and bridges two distinct whiskey traditions, combining Willett's storied Kentucky legacy with Wolves' modern California perspective." The final bottling clocks in at 103 proof and carries a 10 year age statement. We got an early taste, and it's certainly a pour that stands on unique flavor combinations. The nose is punchy, bright, and citrus-forward, rich in burnt orange peel, peppermint candy canes, pine sap, semi-sweet baking chocolate, and birch bark. Those borderline fruity and herbal aromas intersect with plentiful spice, including cinnamon, allspice, and clove chewing gum. It's got depth and character on the nose rare for either an Indiana or Kentucky rye on thor own; the blend is clearly accomplishing a lot at this juncture. Brand tasting notes emphasize the 'layered' aspect of this whiskey, and here at least, that's proving true. Citrus and spice dominated the nose, though a first sip is a little sweeter, slightly more subdued, and generally more indicative of an Indiana high-rye recipe than Kentucky-style. Sweet, herbal chewing gum (think wintergreen) meets candied ginger, along with Andes Creme de Menthe chocolates. Subsequent tastes bring forward more sweetness at the nexus of mint and chocolate, and flavors harmonize closer across the midpalate. Further back in the mouth, oak tannins cut through the aforementioned components and bring a welcome element of age, as if the rye waited until the last possible opportunity to remind you of its decade-plus pedigree. The finish is increasingly tannic—though not drying or overly astringent—with pleasant, lingering notes of mint chocolate (or peppermint-spiced hot chocolate), sniderdoodles, and herbal syrup. It almost reminds me of the last sips of a good Mint Julep, though significantly more balanced and likely appealing to even those who find that famed whiskey cocktail overly cloying. Wolves and Willett Limited-Edition 10-Year Rye Whiskey carries an MSRP of $355. (It is marketed as a luxury release, after all) and is available in limited supply at
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jon Buscemi's Bespoke Golf Business, Redan, Launching Apparel Collection
Jon Buscemi has been anointed the original sneakerhead and a serial entrepreneur. Over the past 20 years, Buscemi has created an incubator for streetwear brands and worked for everyone from DC Shoe Co. and Lotto Sport to Oliver Peoples, mainly as a luxury footwear designer. His shoe brand Buscemi, which he created more than a decade ago, raised a lot of eyebrows when a pair of diamond-encrusted sneakers had a price tag of $132,000. More from WWD Fast Fashion, Resale Rise While Luxury Falls, According to Spending Report What Could Vanessa Trump's Ties to Tiger Woods Mean for Her Golfer Daughter's NIL Deals? 'Nationalist Narratives' Seen as Risk to Luxury Goods But through it all, he's also been a lover of golf and has worked with Malbon Golf, Greyson and FootJoy. He recently debuted his fourth collaboration with FootJoy at the Players Championship, a collection that looked like a high-end sneaker but was made for the course. Buscemi's newest venture is called Redan, a private membership club that offers the well-heeled curated experiences at legendary courses and other high-end experiences. He has partnered with Andrew Pavoni, whose background spans tech and e-commerce businesses, who serves as chief executive officer, as well as designer Safa Tazegideh and Jonathan Rich, a luxury retail expert. The site went live in January and counts 225 founding members, who paid several thousand dollars to gain access to the site and its concierge service. 'Redan is the essence of a lifestyle brand,' said Pavoni, adding that the site can help members secure tee times, book trips and restaurant reservations at key locations around the world. The site has relationships with Cipriani, Carbone, Torrisi, Atlas Card and PS at LAX. Now Redan is launching an apparel collection of Italian-made sporting pieces that honor the traditions of golf but can also be worn off the course. Although many other brands, such as Peter Millar and Grayson, that got their start in golf are also targeting a lifestyle customer, because Redan is sold direct-to-consumer it is not 'a slave to the wholesale market,' Buscemi said. 'We don't have to fit into any price box. We can make a garment and then price it.' Among the pieces that will be offered in the inaugural collection are Italian-made pique polos, trousers and windbreakers, as well as cashwool crewnecks and polos, a duffle and caps. The bulk of the collection is menswear with a few unisex pieces. In the future, Redan expects to add more womenswear, it said. Unlike other brands, Redan breaks down the price of each garment for its members, disclosing its supply chain traceability and cost structure. For instance, a long-sleeve polo costs $271.99 to manufacture in Italy, fabric and trims add $90.67 and freight, duties and tariffs are $61.48, so the retail price should be $850. But the members' price is $650, Redan outlines. Other prices include $250 for a pique polo, $700 for a cashwool crewneck, $400 for trousers, $900 for a windbreaker, $1,200 for a duffle and $85 for caps. The collection will be available exclusively to members through the Redan app, and eventually include seasonal offerings and collaborations with companies such as Tiffany & Co., Bettinardi and FootJoy, the company said. Although Redan has golf as its centerpiece, the partners know that despite all their high-end connections, there are still some clubs that they can't get their members access to. These include Augusta National and other coveted, yet private courses. Pebble Beach remains an option and the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland is 'a tough ticket,' Buscemi acknowledged, but with enough notice, Redan may be able to score a tee time. Best of WWD Macy's Is Closing 66 Stores in 2025 — Here's the List, Live Updates Inside the Demise of Lord & Taylor COVID-19 Spikes Elevate Retail Concerns
USA Today
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
FootJoy by Jon Buscemi for the 2025 Players Championship
FootJoy by Jon Buscemi for the 2025 Players Championship For 2025, they have teamed up for a limited edition Premiere Series Field LX and Court LE. The Players Championship began Thursday morning, and once again, FootJoy has collaborated with West Coast trend-setter Jon Buscemi and is offering a special two-shoe series to commemorate the event. As you might recall, FootJoy and Buscemi teamed up in 2023 and 2024 to create footwear worn by players like Justin Thomas, Will Zalatoris, Wyndham Clark and Adam Scott around TPC Sawgrass. For 2025, they have teamed up for a limited edition Premiere Series Field LX and Court LE. 'To touch on the inspiration, the first winner of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass was the blueprint behind the color direction,' Buscemi said. 'A classic rose quartz and cream with the forever classic navy and red grosgrain taping, this is truly another heirloom added to the shoe collection.' The Premiere Series Field LX ($350) features a soft leather upper, gold detailing and a spiked outsole that provides an elite level of traction. Designed for off-the-course wear, the FJ by Jon Buscemi Court LE ($250) has the same pink tone with a sophisticated, luxurious look. Shop FJ x Buscemi Players golf shoes More 2025 Players gear: 5 new gear releases inspired by the 2025 Players Championship Shop FJ x Jon Buscemi Players golf shoes
