Latest news with #RabbitHole
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Jay Ellis And Rabbit Hole Blend Whiskey And Art In New Collaboration
Jay Ellis drinking a cocktail with Rabbit Hole in it. For actor and producer Jay Ellis, whiskey has always been more than a drink. 'It reminds me to savor the moments we have with people,' said the actor known for his roles in Insecure and Top Gun: Maverick. 'So much of it, for me, happens around connection — with friends, family, people I work with.' That ethos of presence, creativity, and storytelling now lives in a bottle, thanks to a new limited-edition single barrel release that is a collaboration between Ellis and Rabbit Hole founder Kaveh Zamanian. A Meeting of Minds—and Palates The collaboration began with a conversation. Zamanian, a former psychologist turned whiskey entrepreneur, had heard about Ellis's love for bourbon and his passion for storytelling. The two met in Park City, Utah, during the Sundance Film Festival, where Zamanian brought a selection of samples for Ellis to taste. 'We sat and tasted through different options,' Zamanian recalled. 'It was a really collaborative, fun process. We talked about what stood out, what felt distinct. Jay has a great palate and a clear creative vision.' The final selection? A single barrel selection of Dareinger, a riff on a core Rabbit Hole offering that is a wheated bourbon finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks—rich, smooth, and layered. 'You can have it neat or in a cocktail. It's got depth and balance.' Dareringer Single Barrel Pick with Jay Ellis. The Bottle as a Canvas The bottle's design is just as intentional. Created by South Korean fashion illustrator Kasiq Jungwoo Lee, the label features a modern reinterpretation of Lewis Carroll's White Rabbit—complete with a skateboard and an Apple Watch. 'The skateboard came from my daughter,' Ellis said with a laugh. 'She kept asking for one, and my parents finally gave in. So when I saw that detail, it just clicked.' Other elements are persona to Ellis: the green in the rabbit's jacket is Ellis's favorite color, and the green-and-yellow palette nods to his childhood love of the Seattle SuperSonics. The watch, he said, is a symbol of time—how we spend it, and who we spend it with. 'It was a really cool process,' he said. 'They let me have an imprint—my own expression—through the artist. That doesn't happen often with brand collaborations.' Rabbit Hole Distillery Whiskey as Storytelling For Zamanian, openness to creative input is part of Rabbit Hole's DNA. Since founding the distillery in Louisville in 2012, he's made it a mission to challenge convention—not just in whiskey-making, but in how the industry presents itself. 'I wanted to make manufacturing look attractive,' he said during a recent tour of the Rabbit Hole facility. 'We designed the distillery to be transparent, beautiful, and educational. Every step of the process is visible.' That philosophy extends to the brand's core releases, each of which is named with intention and rooted in local history or personal meaning:Cavehill, a four-grain triple malt bourbon, pays homage to generations of Louisville distillers and the historic Cave Hill Cemetery, where many of bourbon's pioneers are a high-rye bourbon, honors Christian Heigold, a German immigrant and stonemason who settled in Louisville after the Civil War and carved patriotic symbols into his home as a response to anti-immigrant a sour mash rye, celebrates Louisville's rich boxing heritage and the city's legacy of turning local talent into world a sherry-cask finished bourbon, is a tribute to Zamanian's wife—'the daring ringer' who inspired him to take the leap into whiskey-making. 'Every name tells a story,' Zamanian said. 'It's not just about drinking—it's about connection, about learning something new.' Zamanian is known for telling lesser-known stories in whiskey. He's also behind Mary Dowling Whiskey, named after an unsung historic female distiller, and co-authored a book about her. One of the most striking features of the distillery, where both Rabbit Hole and Mary Dowling is made, is a commissioned art piece by Brooklyn-born artist Jeremy Dean. Created in response to Executive Order 13769, which banned travel from several Muslim-majority countries, the piece weaves together threads from the U.S. flag and the flags of the banned nations. It's a quiet but powerful statement about inclusion and identity. 'We don't preach,' Zamanian said. 'We live by example. Art is one way we express our values.' Jay Ellis, Kaveh Zamanian Supporting the Next Generation That commitment to creativity and community is also what drew Ellis to the partnership. Through his short film program, Intrinsic, Ellis supports emerging filmmakers by funding and mentoring their first projects. Rabbit Hole is now contributing to that mission by donating camera equipment and offering additional support to selected filmmakers. 'There are so many barriers for young artists,' Ellis said. 'If you can help open one door, that can change everything.' Zamanian agreed. 'We started sponsoring Sundance because we believe in that ecosystem—of discovery, of giving people a shot. This partnership with Jay is a natural extension of that.' A Shared Vision Both Ellis and Zamanian are outsiders who found their way into traditional industries—Hollywood and Kentucky bourbon, respectively—and brought fresh perspectives with them. Their collaboration is a testament to what can happen when creativity, intention, and craft come together. 'This isn't just about whiskey,' Zamanian said. 'It's about creating something meaningful.' Ellis echoed the sentiment. 'It's personal. It's about savoring the moment, telling stories, and building something that lasts.' The collaboration ($125) is available at Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky for a limited time.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Doune festival supremo praises "heart-warming" response as revamped event looms
Brian Harkin - who is the man behind Back Doune the Rabbit Hole - has praised the response from music fans and locals as the countdown to next week's festival ticks on. The brains behind the revamped Back Doune the Rabbit Hole admits it has been a 'long road' back for the once-famous festival - but the excitement is building as the event takes shape. The festival takes place back at the Cardross Estate near Port of Menteith from August 1-3, with new ownership after the previous event collapsed amid controversial circumstances. Helensburgh businessman and musician Brian Harkin has been busy at the festival site coordinating the various stages and amenities as the final preparations kick into gear. Speaking to the Observer this week, he reflected on the support offered by both music fans online and the local community - as well as the body blow of headliners The Fratellis being forced to pull out after the third-party promoters in charge of their booking fell into liquidation. He said: 'We're all buzzing for things to get underway and everyone involved within the local community has been so friendly and supportive which is a really heart-warming thing. 'The build hasn't been without its issues because of the problems with the previous event, but it feels as if we've surpassed that. 'The ticket sales so far have been very good and as good as we expected them to be. 'We kept the brand of Doune The Rabbit Hole because it was much-loved for some time, while recognising how things were handled previously were obviously questionable and not done very well at all, to say the least. 'I know a lot of people who came to this festival before - all of my kids have been for example - and it saddens me that it all got so tarnished, but I know there is a lot of excitement about next week.' The line-up includes some big beasts in the music world, such as Liverpool indie favourites The Zutons, who top the bill on the Sunday evening, and Marc Almond - who headlines on Friday. Scouting for Girls, the Bay City Rollers, The Skids and Newton Faulkner will also be performing. But the Saturday evening showcase was forced to be changed after third-party promoter Wannasee Ltd entered financial trouble - leading to the 'Chelsea Dagger'-hitmakers cancelling four planned summer appearances - including at BDTRH. That spot has been filled by legendary space rockers Hawkwind, with the London group set to delight fans in attendance with a blend of styles from the progressive to the psychedelic. 'Getting Hawkwind in as a legends set was a bit of a blinder for us,' Mr Harkin adds. 'They're on fire at the moment and since it's been about 35 years since I've seen them live, I've told the team that I'll be tapping out when that set is on, although I won't be able to enjoy a pint. 'The first I knew on the Fratellis situation was straight after the liquidation was announced and it was an awful hurdle to overcome for us. 'We were injured by the Wannasee liquidation, just the same as the promoters and a long line of suppliers. 'Being honest, my heart sunk at that point but the online community really rallied behind us and our social team were really honest with the statement we put out and pointing out that we were victims and it wasn't anything to do with us.' As those dramas are finally put in the rear view mirror and the countdown ticking away, Mr Harkin is promising a return to the warm vibe associated with the Doune festival in the past. 'It's all about the family-friendly vibe and the programme we have on site for people is amazing. 'It will be a great event for those coming along - I've got a large family myself and all of my kids and grandkids are coming along, they've been buzzing about it as much as me!'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chevelle Announce New Album, Unveil Single 'Jim Jones (Cowards, Pt. 2)': Stream
The post Chevelle Announce New Album, Unveil Single 'Jim Jones (Cowards, Pt. 2)': Stream appeared first on Consequence. Chevelle have announced their 10th studio album, Bright as Blasphemy, arriving August 15th via Alchemy Recordings. The Illinois alt-metal vets also dropped a new song, 'Jim Jones (Cowards, Pt. 2),' the sequel to the album's previously released lead single 'Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1).' The forceful track touts thick groove-metal riffs and an inspired performance from singer-guitarist Pete Loeffler, who puts his falsetto to work across the five-minute runtime. Get Chevelle Tickets Here 'History teaches us the longest rabbit hole has no end,' the band succinctly said about the new song via a press release, following up the ominous message expressed in the prior single 'Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1).' Themes of dystopian techno-futurism run through both songs, as well as the LP sleeve art and various track titles such as 'AI Phobias' and 'Shocked at the End of the World.' 'Human Existence encompasses both inherent challenges and potential,' stated the band. 'It's up to you how to pass the time. Enjoy.' Chevelle will surely be debuting material from Bright as Blasphemy on their upcoming North American tour with Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society. Dates kick off in August, with tickets available here. You can pre-order Bright as Blasphemy via Chevelle's online merch store. Below you can stream the lyric video for 'Jim Jones (Cowards, Pt. 2)' and see the album art and tracklist. Artwork: Tracklist: 01. Pale Horse 02. Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1) 03. Jim Jones (Cowards, Pt. 2) 04. Hallucinations 05. Wolves (Love & Light) 06. Karma Goddess 07. Blood out in the Fields 08. AI Phobias 09. Shocked at the End of the World Popular Posts Billy Joel Diagnosed with Brain Disorder, Cancels All Upcoming Tour Dates Man Wearing Nazi T-Shirt Gets a Beatdown from Fans at Punk Rock Bowling Fest The 30 Best Action Movie Stars of All Time, Ranked Freddie Mercury's Alleged Child Revealed in New Biography Is The Who's Farewell Tour in Turmoil? Zach Braff to Return for Scrubs Reboot Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Rabbit Hole's New Whiskey Melds Bourbon and Armagnac In A Decadent Pour
Rabbit Hole Founder's Collection Adourra Rabbit Hole Once considered an upstart whiskey producer, Kentucky based Rabbit Hole is no longer the new kid on (or at least near) Louisville's Whiskey Row. The brand was founded in 2012 by Dr. Kaveh Zamanian, a former clinical psychologist, and Rabbit Hole start operating its current distillery around 2018. These days, the Pernod Ricard-owned company distills and ages a variety of bourbon and rye, with a focus on unique and experimental mashbills under names like Cavehill (four-grain bourbon), Heingold (high-rye bourbon), and Boxergrail (rye whiskey). And while the brand has moved toward its own distillate for primary releases, it still sources choice stock from other producers for its annual Founders Collection, all of which are bottled at cask strength. The releases garner notice for their consistently delicious flavor, limited offerings of under 2,000 bottles, and premium price tags, which can eclipse $1,000. Whether any American whiskey in the 8 to 15 age range is worth upwards of $500 is a hotly debated topic among both drinkers and collectors. But let's sidestep that conversation for a second and assess this whiskey purely on the drinking experience. On a recent trip to Rabbit Hole, I was able to sample through five of the Founders Collection bottlings, including a pre-release tasting of the newest addition, titled Adourra. Adourra starts as a 9 year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, sourced from an undisclosed distillery. It's then finished in Armagnac casks—again, for an undisclosed period—before bottling at 108 proof. While Amagnac-finished whiskey isn't exactly a new concept, Adourra stood out to me for its ability to elevate (and not overpower) the bourbon within. Of course, tasting at the end of a stacked lineup is one thing. Sampling in a controlled environment is another. Re-tasting Adourra at home and with a fresh palate, I was almost as impressed as the first sampling. The early nose reminds me of figgy pudding, doused in peanut caramel sauce and Kentucky bourbon. Early, deeply roasted nuts quickly transition to brandy-soaked fruit (dates, plums, golden raisins, currants, and orange peel) and then further into dark chocolate and pipe tobacco. It's altogether tannic, fruity, nutty, and decadent, the kind of whiskey I could nose for 15 minutes or more. The first sip starts with peanut butter and those dark fruits in roughly equal proportion, with enough oak to keep things from veering too far into dessert territory. It reminds me of some well-aged Jim Beam products I've tried, though the Armagnac influence is clearly elevating that underlying nine year whiskey. (The source of the base bourbon, to be clear, remains undisclosed; especially with finished whiskeys, it's always tough to hazard a guess.) Adourra boasts a viscous mouthfeel, and there were a couple points along the midpalate where it felt like wood sugars (and perhaps some residual brandy) almost accumulated too heavily at points. But Adourra walks that fine line well, taking tastebuds to the edge of cloying without tipping over. The whiskey ends on a lengthy, nutty, tobacco-forward finish, with a little residual plum thrown in for good measure. Adourra is available at Rabbit Hole's distillery and in select U.S. markets. Each bottle is individually numbered, with a suggested retail price of $899.99.
Forbes
17-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Rabbit Hole Adourra: A Bourbon With A French Accent (and A Heavy Gold Cork)
Bourbon Rabbit Hole's latest release doesn't shout for attention, but it definitely has presence. Adourra, the newest member of the Founder's Collection, is a 9-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Armagnac casks and bottled at a confident 108 proof. Named after the Adour River in France's Armagnac region, this limited-edition whiskey blends Kentucky muscle with a splash of French polish. Founder Kaveh Zamanian has long leaned into creative cask finishes, but Adourra takes things a step further—channeling the oak-driven elegance of one of France's oldest spirits into something distinctly American. Rabbit Hole Adourra For starters, Armagnac isn't your average brandy. It's earthy, elegant, and often overlooked in favor of its flashier cousin Cognac. But what it lacks in PR, it makes up for in serious aging pedigree—especially thanks to the Solera method, a cascading system where older brandy casks are continuously refreshed with younger spirit. The result? Barrels that are layered with decades of deeply integrated aromas and complexity. When Rabbit Hole bourbon rests in these seasoned casks, it takes on more than just flavor. The result is a deep amber whiskey with layered complexity, subtle warmth, and a long, smooth finish. Launched as a series of limited-edition releases, the Founder's Collection serves as a creative playground —a place where traditional Kentucky bourbon meets unexpected influences from around the world. Each expression in the collection starts with mature, high-quality whiskey, often aged for nearly a decade. But it's the finishing casks that set these releases apart. Past bottles have included bourbons rested in rare sherry casks, French oak, and now, with the release of Adourra, Armagnac barrels from southern France. The goal isn't novelty for novelty's sake. Rather, the distillery uses the collection to explore how nuanced cask finishes can deepen complexity without overpowering the bourbon's core character. Bottled at cask strength and released in small batches, every Founder's Collection bottle is individually numbered and presented in a custom-designed box. It's not just about taste—it's also about ritual and presentation. Whether you're opening it for a special occasion or keeping it sealed on your shelf, the collection is made to feel rare and intentional. Rabbit Hole Adourra opens with a rich, aromatic nose layered with dried stone fruit, toasted almond, and delicate floral notes, underscored by hints of vanilla and spice from its time in Armagnac casks. On the palate, the 108-proof bourbon delivers a bold yet balanced profile—velvety in texture with flavors of caramelized sugar, dark cherry, and a subtle nuttiness that nods to its brandy-barrel finish. The mid-palate reveals a touch of leather and baking spice, giving way to a long, warming finish marked by oak tannin, gentle sweetness, and a lingering note of fig and cocoa. It's a whiskey that marries Kentucky strength with French refinement in every sip. Rabbit Hole recommends enjoying it neat (as do I), or with a touch of water to unlock deeper notes. Adourra isn't just designed to taste good—it's designed to look good. Each bottle is individually numbered, sealed with a heavy gold cork, and arrives in a linen-wrapped gift carton complete with the founder's debossed signature. It's giving 'I splurged, and it was worth it.' Rabbit Hole Adourra is available now at the Rabbit Hole Distillery and in select U.S. markets. Like other releases in the Founder's Collection, it's limited edition—which in whiskey terms is code for: you should probably move fast.
