Inspiring Conversations with Andrew Borenzweig of The Beverly High Rye

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Borenzweig.

Hi Andrew, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a California native. I grew up in Malibu and have lived in Los Angeles ever since. I have been passionate about dining, fine spirits and, of course, whiskey for a long time. It started with dining. Absorbing the ambiance and unique flavors at restaurants like Nobu Malibu inspired my interest in the creativity behind every dish, and later, the spirits and cocktails that would accompany them.

My first job out of college was at a whiskey venture backed by a global icon — Drake. I joined early on, so I had the opportunity to participate in the recipe development, which trained me to identify what I liked or disliked in a given recipe. Together with tasting a wide variety of other whiskeys, it helped refine my palate. I fell in love with whiskey, and after leaving that company, I decided to embark on a journey to create my own.

The Beverly is my vision to change the face of American whiskey, drawing inspiration from Beverly Hills’ culture of high living to create a whiskey that tastes and feels luxurious. Since our release in May 2022, we have quickly become a fixture at world-class bars and restaurants including Nobu, Mr. T, The Grill On The Alley, Waldorf Astoria, The Beverly Hills Hotel and 1 Hotel.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every step of the way has posed considerable challenges. Creating a whiskey capable of competing in a crowded marketplace was the first challenge. We went to great lengths to design a product that effortlessly signals luxury. It needed to be the product we ourselves would pick off the shelf. That meant producing custom glass at the height of the pandemic. We ran into significant delays that ultimately pushed our timeline back quite a bit. It was costly but I would do it all over again. The bottle is distinctive, elegant and unique. It is the perfect decanter for the award-winning whiskey inside.

What is inside the bottle matters the most. Quality and authenticity are paramount. I partnered with a family-owned craft distillery, Cedar Ridge, whose story resonated with me, so we could be transparent about where our whiskey comes from and proud of how it is made. After several trips to Cedar Ridge, Head Distiller Murphy Quint and I designed a recipe that is personal, unique and delicious.

Releasing our product with a small team and limited distribution has been challenging. We don’t have the luxury of a national sales force or an unlimited marketing budget. We have to be strategic about how we invest our resources and spend our time. We have been selective about where we place our whiskey. This gradual approach has offered a great opportunity to find our fit in the market to build a recipe for success. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished so far.

We’ve been impressed with The Beverly High Rye, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Beverly High Rye is an award-winning American whiskey we released in May 2022. The Beverly evokes American luxury in name and spirit, drawing inspiration from Beverly Hills’ culture of high living. To me, as a Los Angeles native, Beverly Hills represents the pinnacle of American luxury.

Our whiskey is an artisanal blend of straight rye and straight bourbon, featuring a unique pairing of baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with a hint of sweetness and a rich character. The Beverly is complex and effortlessly smooth. It has been recognized with two Gold Medals at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition and another Gold Medal at the New York World Spirits Competition.

The response has been fantastic. We have been covered by Forbes, Rolling Stone and Entertainment Tonight. The Beverly can be enjoyed at exclusive venues from Nobu and Mr. T to The Beverly Hills Hotel. You can find it on the shelves at local stores like Mel & Rose, K&L Wine Merchants, Robert Burns and Mission Wine & Spirits. We are growing fast.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Timing has played an important role. We couldn’t do anything about production delays throughout the pandemic. But that delay meant being ready to release when the world was opening up again. You never know exactly how things will play out.

Pricing:

• $60 MSRP

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beverlyhighrye.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beverlyhighrye/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beverly-spirits/

Image Credits
Rebecca Peloquin Photography