Wes and Whiskey?

Wes and Whiskey?

“I was once tempted by alcohol and drugs in my youth,” Wes once admitted. This statement serves as both a critique of his relationship with alcohol and a warning to all musicians.

Personally, I enjoy drinking, though not in the sophisticated way of sipping while listening to jazz—more just drinking frequently. There’s a famous saying, “Drink, but don’t let it drink you,” but when one loses oneself in a drunken stupor, it’s hard to ignore Wes’s warning.

I’ve shared an embarrassing aspect of myself, but what about you?

Did you know that Wes, who didn’t drink much, is featured on a bourbon label? Unlike whiskey made from barley, bourbon is made from corn, which gives it a unique flavor. Some people dislike this, while others find the distinctive taste irresistible.

The bourbon, branded “JAZZ CLUB,” comes in two varieties: a 12-year-old with a white label (ALC. 50.5%) and a 15-year-old with a silver label (ALC. 57%). The label features a photo of Wes at the 1965 Newport Jazz Festival. Other versions feature jazz legends like Fats Waller, Elvin Jones, Betty Carter, and Dexter Gordon.