Whiskey Maker Ari Sussman Created Signature Blends in Partnership with Theory of a Deadman, Halestorm, Black Stone Cherry, Lucero, Dinosaur Jr, The Cadillac Three, and Goodbye June.
Three Chord Bourbon, the award-winning bourbon company founded by prolific producer and musician Neil Giraldo, now offers music fans the chance to buy a bespoke bottle of whiskey, custom blended in close collaboration with their favorite music artists – giving fans of the artists an opportunity for an immersive sensory experience aligned with the artist’s aesthetic. The Backstage Series is just the next step in the award-winning bourbon company’s mission to connect the worlds of music and whiskey, helping musicians to create new revenue streams while becoming more connected to their fans.
Three Chord Bourbon draws inspiration for these projects from founder Giraldo, who committed to developing a whiskey brand by musicians in support of musicians. After a highly successful launch of custom blends with The Cadillac Three and Goodbye June last month, the Backstage Series now offers additional custom blends and bottles with Theory of a Deadman, Halestorm, Black Stone Cherry, Lucero, and Dinosaur Jr.
Each of these custom blends was created in direct collaboration between the artists and acclaimed Whiskey Maker, Ari Sussman.
I enjoy working with musicians on these blends because they understand the beauty of balance. It is similar to when they are in the studio working to make all of the sounds come together – that’s what we’re doing with these blends. Each part of these whiskeys works together to create something special.
Ari Sussman, Whiskey Maker
Every bottle features a label specifically crafted by designers known for their work in the music industry on concert posters and merchandise design. Ronnie Lewis, a widely recognized designer and art director with over fifteen years of experience creating boldly successful, award-winning advertising campaigns, concert posters and album covers, was a driving force behind the customized look and feel of the Backstage Series.
Working as a designer for the music industry is already great. It’s true we all wanna be rock stars, so when you end up getting to design things for your favorite band or a huge act rolling through town it’s always thrilling. It was great to be a part of creating this Backstage Series, and having a chance to be part of something new for these fans.
Ronnie Lewis, Artist
These limited release bottles are truly a joining of worlds that work so well together: whiskey, music, and art. The entire collection is available online at Three Chord Bourbon Backstage Series and a limited number of bottles will be available through select retailers around the country in early 2024.
Three Chord founder Neil Giraldo, who recently received the National Italian American Foundation’s Leonardo DaVinci Award for Creative Contributions, is committed to furthering Three Chord’s dedication to working with music artists.
I’m deeply proud of the diverse musical genres already represented by the artists we are working with in our Backstage Series. We will continue to expand the collection with additional musicians. We’re just getting started and know we can truly make an impact by expanding the connection between music artist and fan.
Neil Giraldo, Three Chord Founder
Initial announcements via the band social media sites were greeted with an overwhelming response from fans, with thousands of bottles pre-ordered upon launch.
We knew that there was an instinctive crossover between music and whiskey, from how they are both created to how they are both enjoyed. We are thrilled to launch the most extensive collaboration between the spirits and music industry to date and expect to expand this collection throughout the coming year.
Michael Nanula, Director of Marketing
It’s exciting to finally see the full Three Chord vision coming to life. If we can use the platform we’ve built as a quality whiskey brand to give musicians new sources of revenue while enhancing their fans’ experience, then we’ve succeeded in our brand’s mission.
Ryan Gill, Director of Brand Development
Three Chord Bourbon has made significant strides within the music industry since its launch in 2017, working with musicians, venues and distributors across the country to support artists and participate in live music events. The brand was celebrated at the Bourbon and Beyond festival this past summer in Kentucky, with Goodbye June announcing their Backstage Series collaboration live from the stage. The brand has received over fifty industry awards to date, with its 2023 season release Honey Toasted blend receiving an impressive 92-point score in Wine Enthusiast.
About Three Chord Bourbon
Three Chord Bourbon, Inc. is a mid-stage American whiskey blending house that embraces the spirit of creativity through a unique brand rooted in music. Founded in 2017 by musician Neil Giraldo (five-time Grammy award winning musician, producer, and film composer) and whiskey maker Ari Sussman, Three Chord offers award-winning bourbon blends that are now sold in 38 states including major retail chains such as Costco, BevMo and Specs. Giraldo’s passion for crafting innovative spirits is as strong as his efforts in helping musicians, reflected by the Three Chord Music Ambassador Program and Backstage Series, as well as various philanthropic efforts – helping Three Chord stand out as the only craft whiskey brand that financially supports and amplifies aspiring musicians. For more information, please visit www.ThreeChordBourbon.com.
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