The Walking Dead bourbon arrived in October 2019 as the first release under Spirits of the Apocalypse, an alliance between Diageo and Skybound Entertainment, the company behind the comic series. It was timed to two things at once: the comic's conclusion that summer after 193 issues, and the launch of the show's tenth season. Licensed spirits have a reputation, and it is usually deserved, so the interesting part of this one is that reviewers who went in expecting novelty came out surprised. Paste Magazine, reviewing it blind of expectations, called it a nice bourbon at a fair price and a solid value, which is not the usual verdict on a branded tie in. What is inside is a sourced Kentucky straight bourbon at 47 percent alcohol by volume, which is a genuinely respectable 94 proof rather than the 80 proof most licensed bottlings settle for. Diageo has never disclosed the distillery. There is no age statement, though the straight designation sets a legal minimum of two years. It shows a soft caramel nose with orchard fruit, mint and peach over light oak, then a smooth and spicy palate finishing with a light nuttiness, lingering sweetness and pleasant warmth. The packaging leans fully into the source material: a torn paper label, bloodied fingerprints, a plastic cap, an RGrimes signature strip on the neck and a SAFE ZONE CERTIFIED mark along the base. It was a limited release and has been off shelves for years. Good neat, over ice, or built into a simple whiskey cocktail.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
47% |
| Proof |
94 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Producer |
Diageo, in alliance with Skybound Entertainment |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Brand |
Spirits of the Apocalypse |
| Expression |
The Walking Dead |
| Batch |
01, per label |
| Released |
October 2019 |
| Status |
Limited edition, discontinued |
Tasting Notes
Color: Warm amber.
Nose: Soft caramel with orchard fruit, plus mint, peach and light oak.
Palate: Smooth and spicy, with fruit sweetness carrying over a light oak base.
Finish: Light nuttiness with lingering sweetness and a pleasant warmth.
FAQ
Q: What proof is it?
A: 94 proof, 47 percent alcohol by volume, which is notably higher than most licensed tie in whiskeys.
Q: Who makes it?
A: It was produced by Diageo in alliance with Skybound Entertainment under the Spirits of the Apocalypse label. The distillery has never been disclosed.
Q: How old is it?
A: There is no age statement. The Kentucky Straight designation sets a legal minimum of two years.
Q: Is it still in production?
A: No. It was a limited release launched in October 2019 and has long been off shelves.
Q: What is the signature on the neck?
A: An RGrimes signature strip, a design element referencing the series rather than an authentic autograph.
Q: Where can I buy The Walking Dead bourbon online?
A: Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
