SirDavis Whiskey and Honey Bee Cocktail Kit Review

When it comes to spirits, I’ve been known to enjoy a sweet cognac, wine, or a girly pop drink mixed with vodka but I hadn’t quite ventured into the world of whisky. I always thought it was too strong and pretty much only consumed “neat” at the end of a long work day. But as it often happens, I was influenced by Beyoncé to try something new when the pop superstar released SirDavis American Whisky ($80) on her birthday, Sep. 4, 2024.

If you’re a Beyoncé fan and by chance you attended the “Cowboy Carter” Tour in 2025, you saw a robot famously pour her a shot of SirDavis whisky on stage between songs. And while she certainly likes to enjoy the spirit with no mixer or chaser, I also learned that she’s a fan of the “Honey Bee” cocktail, which is much more my speed. A blend of SirDavis, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup, the cocktail is equal parts refreshing and sweet — and just tart enough to strike a pleasant balance. I tried the cocktail at the SirDavis happy hour at the Atlanta stop of the tour and later made it myself using the bestselling SirDavis Honey Bee Cocktail Kit ($125), which is available for preorder now. And when I came home, I poured a straight shot of the whisky for the purpose of this review. Keep scrolling to get my honest thoughts on both.

What’s the Criteria For a Good Whisky?

While every palette is different, a good whisky is usually defined by a rich, well-balanced taste. The flavor profile should be smooth yet layered and complex with a rich, memorable finish.

What I Like About SirDavis Whisky

Having tried SirDavis whisky for myself, and poured a glass for my friend who drinks whisky almost exclusively, I can confirm it delights whisky connoisseurs and newcomers alike. As with anything she does, Beyoncé was very intentional and considered with the development of her whisky — this is not a scenario where she simply slapped her name on a product. Outside of her highly-publicized family connection (her great grandfather Davis Hogue was a “moonshine man” during the Prohibition era), she partnered with Dr. Bill Lumsden, the head of distilling and whisky at Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, who is a five-time International Whisky Competition Master Distiller and well-known for his innovation and expertise.

The result? A whisky that balances sweetness with a touch of bitterness. It opens with brown sugar, toffee, and dark chocolate, evolves to include cardamom and clove, and then arrives at a sweet finish with maple, orange, and ginger. Overall, it’s complex enough to please whisky lovers but still smooth and sweet to appeal to newer drinkers.

What I Like About the SirDavis Honey Bee Cocktail Kit

The SirDavis Honey Bee cocktail kit plays up the bittersweet flavor of the whisky with a drink that’s as sweet (hello, honey syrup) as it is tart (thanks to lemon juice). The kit comes replete with dehydrated lemon wheels for garnish and a collectible SirDavis medallion horse pin. Included is a recipe card that was super easy to follow; I quickly whipped up the drink for my friends and got multiple requests for refills. It’s great for hosting summer parties or just mixing a quick cocktail to have with Sunday dinner.

What to Consider Before Trying SirDavis Whisky

SirDavis is on the expensive side. It retails for $80 while other popular whiskys are in the $50-$60 range. But in my opinion, it’s worth the splurge: it’s delicious whether you drink it neat, on the rocks, or as the base of a homemade cocktail. And the gorgeous bottle is a compliment magnet on my bar cart. Guests almost always point it out when visiting my home.

It also has a sweeter flavor profile, which is perfect for me as a whisky newbie; if you prefer a dryer, spicier whisky, then you should explore other options.

Who SirDavis Whisky Is Best For

I love that Beyoncé entered SirDavis in several competitions (and won awards!) before attaching her name to the brand — it’s proof that the whisky is good enough to stand on its own. It goes without saying that the superstar’s fans will be happy to support her venture into the spirits category, but pure lovers of whisky, particularly those who prefer a harmonious mix of spice and sweetness, will also see SirDavis as a worthwhile addition to their collection.

Where Is SirDavis Whisky Available?

SirDavis is available at Totalwine.com.

Rating

★★★★★

Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She’s appeared on “Good Morning America,” NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.