“Ja Rule, the hip-hop icon from Queens, recently made a surprising venture into the spirits business with the release of his own honey-infused rye whiskey, Amber & Opal. Despite not being a heavy drinker himself, Ja Rule, along with his longtime friends Herb Rice, Sandy Sandiford, and Kelvin Barton, decided to take a leap into the whiskey industry in 2024 by launching their unique brand in Maryland, with hopes of expanding it nationwide.
The idea behind Amber & Opal stemmed from an initial investment in a warehouse full of whiskey barrels in Ohio. However, instead of simply selling aged whiskey, the group decided to create their own brand. After exploring the possibility of a honey botanical whiskey, they partnered with Baltimore Spirits Company to produce a blend of Maryland Straight Rye Whiskey, aged in oak barrels for two years, combined with orange blossom honey and botanicals like lapsang souchong tea, cinnamon, ginger, and fig sourced from Wight Tea Company.
Ja Rule’s novice palate and his friends’ whiskey expertise came together perfectly to create a whiskey that caters to both seasoned drinkers and newcomers to the spirit. The group aimed for inclusivity and diversity with their brand, reflected in the name ‘Amber & Opal,’ symbolizing the amber liquid and the various hues of the precious opal stone. Ja Rule emphasized that while the brand is Black-owned, it is intended for everyone, promoting inclusivity and unity.
Amber & Opal is currently available in various Total Wines locations across California, Florida, New York, and New Jersey, with shipping options to 35 states. The group plans to slowly expand nationwide, taking a strategic approach to owning their markets before further growth. Ja Rule, who is set to join Nelly on tour this summer, intends to promote the whiskey at tour stops and meet fans at Total Wines locations during the day.
In addition to his whiskey venture, Ja Rule is gearing up to release his first album in over a decade in June. Reflecting on the nerve-wracking experience of launching a new product, Ja Rule remains excited about the opportunities that both the whiskey and the album will bring. With a focus on quality, inclusivity, and strategic growth, Ja Rule and his friends are poised to make their mark in the whiskey industry with Amber & Opal.” Grammy-winning artist John Mayer is gearing up for a unique and exciting performance that has fans buzzing with anticipation. Known for his soulful vocals and masterful guitar skills, Mayer is no stranger to putting on unforgettable shows. However, this time around, he has something special in store.
“It’d be the equivalent of me going onstage, performing a brand new record,” he says with his trademark husky laugh. This statement has sparked curiosity among fans, who are eager to see what surprises Mayer has up his sleeve. With his track record of delivering incredible performances, expectations are high for this upcoming show.
But what exactly is Mayer planning for this performance? The answer lies in his simple yet profound goal. “I want to see a lot of empty bottles,” he declares. This cryptic statement has left fans speculating about what it could mean. Is Mayer hinting at a wild party atmosphere, where the audience will be raising their glasses in celebration? Or is there a deeper, more symbolic meaning behind his words?
One thing is for certain – Mayer always knows how to keep his audience on their toes. With his charismatic stage presence and undeniable talent, he has a way of captivating crowds and leaving them wanting more. This upcoming performance is sure to be no exception.
To add to the excitement, Mayer has partnered with Baltimore Spirits Company to create a special whiskey in honor of the event. The Baltimore Spirits Company Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Whiskey is a limited edition release that embodies the spirit of the performance. Priced at $69.99 for a 750-milliliter bottle, this unique whiskey is sure to be a hit with fans and collectors alike.
Fans can purchase the Baltimore Spirits Company Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Whiskey online at seelbachs.com, adding a special touch to their viewing experience. Whether they choose to enjoy it during the performance or save it for a special occasion, this whiskey is bound to become a cherished memento of a night to remember.
As the anticipation builds and the excitement grows, fans are eagerly counting down the days until Mayer takes the stage for this one-of-a-kind performance. With his talent, charisma, and passion for creating unforgettable experiences, there’s no doubt that he will deliver a show to remember. So raise a glass, savor the moment, and get ready for a night of music, magic, and memories with John Mayer.