Like with make-up and fashion, or any industry that makes money, celebrities are getting on board with alcohol brands to either promote them or own them. We are going to take a look at some of the spirits and wines that are associated with different public figures.

It is important to remember that even though these brands might be famous by association, it doesn't necessarily mean they are better products than the competitors. Sometimes it's marketing money that speaks the loudest.

1. P. Diddy - Ciroc Vodka

Also known as Sean Combs this rapper got on board very early on. In 2007 Diddy started handling the US marketing and promotion of the brand with a "50/50" deal with the distributor Diageo. It does seem that Diageo had planned from the beginning (2003) to get a famous face behind the brand. The first year it was backed by NFL star Earl Little, but the co-op didn't go too well.

The double D combo (Diddy & Diageo) was so successful that they also decided in 2013 to purchase the DeLeon Tequila 50/50. It does seem like they just copied Ciroc's ad campaign for their tequila.

Image by Diageo

2. Motorhead - Motorhead Spirits

Made in association with the Swedish whisky distillery Mackmyra, single malt and Dominican rum hit the market in 2019. The vodka has been around since 2011, but Motorhead has adventured into the wine industry as well over the years.

In 2021 they also launched a Motorhead Bourbon called Ace of Spades.

Image by Motorhead Spirits

3. Ryan Reynolds - Aviation Gin

"American Gin Owned by a Canadian" is quite a fun slogan and brings out Ryan Reynolds whit. He has been involved with the brand since February of 2018, but in 2020 Diageo acquired the brand but stated that Reynolds still has "ongoing ownership interest" in the gin. Does he, or is it that Diageo wants us to believe he is still involved to sell more gin?

Image by The Drinks Business

4. Dom Perignon

Named after a monk, this champagne has had a good place in the limelight. Chosen to be served at the wedding of Charles and Diana, it further established the brand's status as a symbol of wealth.

Dom Perignon has made many limited releases that carry a celebrity name including Lenny Kravitz and Lady Gaga. They have also had famous designers making special edition labels to keep the champagne in the public eye and to create bottles that stand out in beauty or for worse.

Image by LVMH

5. George Clooney - Casamigos Tequila

Launched in 2013 by George Cooley & friends, this tequila was sold to Diageo in 2017 for $700 million. Diageo does like to get involved when there's money to be made.

Image by Financial Times

6. Conor McGregor - Proper Twelve

In 2018 the UFC fighter Conor McGregor launched his Irish Whisky named after Dublin 12, a district he grew up in. In 2021 it was reported that McGregor and his business partners had sold the majority of the brand to an American distributor Proximo Spirits for $600 million.

Image by InsideFMCG

7. David Beckham - Haig Club

Haig whisky has been around for decades, but in 2014 David Beckham became involved with the brand. Unlike many people think, Haig Club is not a single malt or a blend but a single grain whisky, with spirits sourced from Cameron Bridge grain distillery owned by Diageo.

Haig Club is co-owned by Beckham and Diageo.

Image by Urban Drinks UK

8. Jay-Z - Armand de Brignac

Being a fanatic Cristal drinker before, Jay-Z bought Armand de Brignac -brand, aka The Ace of Spades, in 2014. If you're looking for a bottle of flashy champagne then this is it. Price-wise a bottle sells for twice the price of Dom Perignon, but that's just for their brut champagne.

It was announced in 2021 that Luis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) has bought 50% of the company.

Jay-Z also co-owns a cognac brand D'Usse with Bacardi.

Image by The Whisky Ardvark

9. Nick Offerman - Lagavulin

Since Offerman played Ron Swanson in Parks & Rec he has been associated with the Lagavulin single malt. In the series, he claims of owning the brand, but in reality, the distillery is again owned by Diageo, who saw the opportunity to include Offerman in their brand.

In 2021 they released the second edition of Lagavulin Offerman Edition, 11yo finished for 4 months in an ex-Guinness cask. The first edition came out in 2019, but Nick has been working as an advocate of the brand since 2014. He does not own Lagavulin.

Image by Diageo

10. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson - Teremana Tequila

Nowadays it seems like The Rock is in every movie that's coming out, and we guess it was only a matter of time before he got involved with the spirits industry. Dwayne Johnson launched his tequila Teremana, meaning "spirit of the earth", in 2020 under Siete Bucks Spirits company with Dany Garcia, and it's been a success so far.

Image by CNN

11. AC/DC-Thunderstruck Tequila

Launched in 2016, with already wine, energy drinks, and beer available, their Thunderstruck Tequila joined the band's beverage portfolio. Mainly used as a licensed AC/DC -trademark by Stoli Group, we're not quite sure how involved the band itself is with the brand.

It is available in travel retail across the world.

Image by Worldwide Beverage Imports LLC

12. Dan Aykroyd - Crystal Head Vodka

Owned by the former Blues Brother Dan Aykroyd, and artist John Alexander, this eye-catching vodka has been around since 2008. Aykroyd is actively involved with promoting the products by doing signings around the globe, and fans line up to see him.

Image by Urban Drinks UK

13. Bob Dylan - Heaven's Door Whiskey

In 2018 this Bob Dylan song-inspired whiskey hit the market with success, which was extended in 2021 with a release of 2 new expressions. The brand is co-owned by Dylan and a bourbon maker Marc Bushala.

Image by Nimbility

14. Various Rappers - Nuvo

This monstrous and underperforming sparkling liqueur, which was actually a fortified wine, was owned by Diageo until it was discontinued in 2021. Nuvo was featured in music videos in the 2000s including rappers like Ludacris, DJ Khaled, Slim Thug, Jadakiss, and Lil Kim.

Image by Diageo

15. Matthew McConaughey - Longbranch

Made in the Wild Turkey whiskey distillery, McConaughey adventured in the land of spirits in 2019 with his Longbranch bourbon whiskey. Made in Kentucky, but is inspired by Texas.

Image by Ticinonline

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