Late Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell provided the inspiration for Anthrax's new bourbon, The Healer.
There's been a huge number of metal bands releasing their own branded alcohol over the years, and Anthrax have been no exception, having launched their very own beer and whiskey in the past. And now the band have found inspiration from none other than late Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell for their latest limited-edition bourbon, The Healer.
“The first time I heard Dimebag refer to booze being a healer was when we were on tour together and I was really sick,” explains Charlie Benante. “He came onto our bus, opened my bunk curtain, gave me a shot of whiskey and said, ‘Booze is the healer.’”
Read this: Remembering my friend, Dimebag Darrell
“If we arrived for soundcheck a little hungover, Dimebag would be standing there with a knowing Cheshire Cat smile, a shot of whiskey at the ready and the words, ‘Booze is the healer,’” remembers Scott Ian. “And goddamn if it didn’t work. Put us right back on the horse.”
The process of selecting this new beverage came about last November, when the band were performing at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. While they were in town, Anthrax sampled “about a half-dozen bourbons, all produced at a variety of New York state distilleries” – with their chosen Hillrock Estate’s Solera Aged Bourbon being the clear favourite.
“This bourbon got my vote right away,” said Frank Bello. “When I took the first sip, the mix of flavours really came out in a big way. It was more like a cool smooth vibe that made me pour a second glass. Second glasses are fun.”
Check it out below, and pick up your bottle right here.
