Basquiat’s iconic artwork comes back to New York’s Great Jones Street via Great Jones Distilling Co.’s The Great Jones x Jean-Michel Basquiat: Empire Edition.
Just down the block from the site of his apartment and famous art studio in Noho, the distillery has unveiled a brand-new special edition bourbon bottle featuring Basquiat’s “Mecca” (1982). The piece is known for helping establish him as an artist in Downtown Manhattan, featuring the New York City skyline and Basquiat’s trademark crown. The artwork was selected for its vivid portrayal of New York’s skyline, symbolizing the city’s energy and allure. The distinctive graphic encapsulates Basquiat’s electrifying impact on the New York art scene and serves as a testament to his unparalleled vision and enduring influence on contemporary art with its bold strokes and arresting imagery. The bottle was created in collaboration with Artestar, a global licensing agency and creative consultancy representing high-profile artists, photographers, designers, and creatives.
This special edition celebrates New York City via its art, its agriculture and its whiskey. Great Jones is 100% New York Bburbon, made of ingredients grown in the Hudson Valley, distilled at the Great Jones Distillery in Manhattan, aged in New American Oak barrels, and finally cut to proof with Catskill Mountain water.
“In continuing our partnership with Jean-Michel Basquiat, we are proud to align Great Jones Whiskey with a New York icon whose art represents the vibrant culture of downtown New York,” said Lander Otegui, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Proximo Spirits. “With this special edition bottle release we are paying homage to Basquiat’s legacy on Great Jones Street, while also setting a new standard for craft distilling in Manhattan using entirely New York ingredients, to make our award-winning whiskeys.”
In addition to the whiskey release, this campaign also includes a capsule collection of merchandise, including a t-shirt, sweatshirt, and bucket hat, produced and designed by Rome Pays Off. Each piece features Basquiat’s “Mecca” graphic.
You can visit the Great Jones Distillery at 686 Broadway to purchase a bottle of the Basquiat-decorated whiskey or to enjoy signature cocktails inspired by Basquiat’s legacy, created by the Great Jones Head Mixologist, Collin Frazier.
The Great Jones x Jean-Michel Basquiat: Empire Edition is on sale now at the Great Jones Distillery and throughout the New York metro area for $39.99.
