By the Zonagirante.com team @spinning zone

Cover art by Zonagirante Studio 

Dedicated to our friends Daniel Aguilar and Santiago Rivas, happy drinkers of uisge beatha

Editor's note: This special (whose content we promise will be somewhat chaotic) It stems from two absurd stories this week: The first is that, for not thoroughly reviewing Instagram promotions, We believed in the fraudulent offer of a company that was selling a special edition of a 24-year-old whisky, with a prestigious brand, at a ridiculously low price., and we gave them all the card details for that. Luckily, we realized the scam in time and had to block the card in the middle of a long weekend. The other story is that, during our constant internet browsing, we found the website of a Colombian liquor company, which, among its products, sells a bottle of The Balvenie 50 years, belonging to a limited edition of 110 units, The result of a marriage of five barrels aged for over five decades. The price: Three hundred and fifty million Colombian pesos (eighty-four thousand dollars). Yes, here in Colombia, where, for the same price, we could acquire a sixty square meter apartment in the north of the city. or pay 219 minimum monthly wages. But make no mistake: there will always be a shady character who, without having refined taste, will quickly buy it to show off his great purchasing power to his friends and companions. Imagine the awful soundtrack for that evening…

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Now yes:

So many stories we've heard, linking rock, blues, and other sonic genres of the same tribe with whiskey, that drink which has its origins in medieval distillation, carried out in Ireland and Scotland by esteemed and beloved monks, around the 15th century. But, since you are all so fond of said elixir, Do you know the difference between Whiskey, Whisky, and Bourbon?

1. Whisky vs. Whiskey: Is it just a letter?

Not exactly. The main difference lies in the region of production:

«"Whisky" (without "e"): It is used in Scotland, Canada, and Japan. Example: Johnnie Walker (Scotland), Crown Royal (Canada).

«"Whiskey" (with an "e"): It is used in Ireland and the United States. Example: Jameson (Ireland), Jack Daniel's (USA.).

2. Bourbon: A type of American whiskey

Bourbon is an American whiskey with specific rules:
✅ It must be produced in the USA (though not only in Kentucky).
✅ At least 51% of corn in your mix.
✅ Aged in new toasted oak barrels.
✅ It cannot contain additives or colorings.

Examples: Bulleit Bourbon, Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve.

3. Other important categories

Scotch Whisky: Made in Scotland, generally from malted barley. It must be aged for at least 3 years in oak barrels. Example: Macallan, Lagavulin.

Irish Whiskey: Smoother and less smoky than Scotch whisky, as it rarely uses peat in the process. Distilled three times. Example: Jameson.

Tennessee Whiskey: Like bourbon, but with a special maple charcoal filter (Lincoln County ProcessExample: Jack Daniel's.

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Let's talk about strategic alliances between distilleries and music (and let's do it without mentioning the immediate brand that comes to mind). The connection between rock and whiskey continues to evolve with new collaborations and events celebrating both worlds. Here are some of the most recent partnerships:

1. FEW Spirits – Icons of Rock Collection

FEW Spirits, the Evanston, IL distillery known for its experimental approach to whiskey, launched the Icons of Rock collection, which brings together three collaborations with major rock bands. Includes Motor Oil Whiskey, created with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club; All Secrets Known, inspired by Alice In Chains and aged in tequila barrels; and The Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon, Infused with Midnight Rose tea from Billy Corgan's shop. The collection costs $149.99 and is sold online in the US.

 

2. Jameson Irish Whiskey and Fender

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Jameson Irish Whiskey and Fender teamed up to release a limited edition electric guitar Player II Telecaster and the amplifier Tone Master Princeton Reverb. This collaboration, part of the series Triple Distilled Collection by Jameson, was presented on March 12, 2025 at Fender Studios in London. The event featured live performances by the Irish garage-punk band Sprints and the singer and guitarist Santino Le Saint. This is the second installment in the collection, which previously included a bottle designed by Anderson .Paak, and will soon launch a fashion capsule collection with Awake NY. ​

 

3. Iron Smoke Distillery and The Bouncing Souls

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Iron Smoke Distillery, a craft distillery in Fairport, New York, partnered with the rock band The Bouncing Souls to launch Anchors Aweigh, a limited-edition bourbon. In the spring of 2024, The band selected three barrels of Iron Smoke bourbon during a concert in Chicago. Bassist and artist Bryan Kienlen designed the bottle artwork. Bottled at 90 proof (451t/3t ABV)., Anchors Aweigh It was available exclusively online, with a limit of six bottles per customer. This collaboration reflects the shared DIY ethos between the distillery and the band. One detail: The product is already sold out. 

4. Balcones Distilling and ZZ Top

In November 2021, the legendary band ZZ Top and Balcones Distilling, based in Waco, Texas, announced a collaboration to create a unique whiskey called Three Men, in honor of the band's first album that reached the top 10 in 1973. This handcrafted whiskey uses three distinctive grains: roasted blue corn, barley, and rye, reflecting the shared Texan roots between the band and the distillery. The collaboration celebrated more than five decades of ZZ Top's musical legacy and Balcones' dedication to innovation in distillation. Three Men It was available for pre-order in the US starting November 1, 2021, and was distributed to liquor stores in Texas and other states in mid-November.

5. Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival

 

The Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival announced its dates for 2025, from August 8th to 10th., moving to Camp Eastman in Rochester, New York. This three-day event will feature more than 25 English-speaking musical artists across two stages, including in its lineup already... Joan Jett and the Black Hearts, Cristina Vane, The English Beat and others. The collaboration between Tommy Brunett, founder of the festival and co-owner of Iron Smoke Distillery, and Sean McCarthy, an expert in event production, seeks to enrich the attendees' experience. In addition to music, the festival will offer whiskey tastings, cultural and educational experiences.

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What does whiskey (whisky/bourbon) sound like? It's time to put on your headphones and have a glass of good ice cubes handy for a drink.  on the rocks.

It's clear. A playlist dedicated to the close relationship between whiskey and music was a must. We've selected 21 songs, ranging from classic tunes to lesser-known recordings., that navigate between Celtic folklore, rock, blues, R&B, country, punk and metal. Here are bands of Ireland, United States, Spain, Colombia, Japan, Uruguay, Spain and Mexico, forming part of a seventy-seven-minute repertoire of good sound with alcoholic textures in its veins.

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Finally, a tribute to someone we greatly admired: Mariana Moyano.She, a brilliant Argentine journalist, combined with particular humor and special sensitivity her sharp analysis of the reality of her country and the rest of the world, with her exciting connection to the culture of whisky. You can listen to their ever-relevant podcast episodes Anaconda with Memory on Spotify. As part of her loyal audience, we miss her more each day. We were fortunate enough to interview her in 2021., sharing a couple of drinks from a distance. Here is the record: