Star Trek Captain's Table
Normally I view special whiskey releases that have a celebrity name tie-in with a grain of salt. Does it really make the spirit better if a country music singer came up with the name? Or if an actor picked the blend out of a box of five samples FedExed to his fourth home on Aruba? Probably not.
But my inner nerd can get excited over certain special releases, particularly when local talent is involved. Star Trek Wine and Spirits is a collaboration between CBS Studios and Spirits & Wines That Rock, a business that helps to create and market specialty alcohol products. Ordinarily that wouldn't really impress me, but when I found out that the second edition of Star Trek Spirits series The Captain’s Table was being created by the talented blenders at Nashville Barrel Company, my interest was piqued.
Then I discovered that the company named NBC’s Mike Hinds and James Davenport as “Co-Captains,” and I was hooked! I mean, it’s clear why they chose James. Captain Kirk’s first name is James, and he was (will be?) born in Riverside, Iowa, which is just a little more than an hour away from Davenport, Iowa. Plus, Mike and James are award-winning craftsmen with impeccable palates and a real talent for choosing, aging, finishing and blending spirits.
Last year’s Captain was Crispin Cain of Mendocino Spirits, and by all accounts, his "Mission 1" limited-release series of 8- to 13-year-old rye malt whiskey distilled in cognac stills and blended with high-proof bourbon was spectacular.
Now, the fact that the suggested retail price is $349.99 per bottle may limit interest a bit, but the packaging is fantastic, if you’re into stuff like that. Each bottle comes in a custom white octagonal collector’s case, accompanied by an illuminated display base and a detachable magnetic medallion that grants access to exclusive tastings and private events.
I prefer to think that the elevated retail prices mean Hinds and Davenport are going to pick out some really outstanding single barrels for the release, and Mike seems willing to play along with the spirit of the venture.
From the Captain’s Chair (Mike Hinds, CEO of Nashville Barrel Company):
James and I are honored to be collaborating with the Star Trek franchise on this extraordinary project. As longtime fans, it’s a privilege to help guide The Captain’s Table into its next phase. For generations, Star Trek has stood as a symbol of exploration, unity, and shared purpose. It built a global community where everyone has a seat at the table, and we’re proud to carry that spirit forward through this program.
Curating exceptional single barrels is at the core of what we do. Bringing that expertise to a project of this scale and significance makes this mission especially meaningful. We look forward to sharing these releases with collectors and serious whiskey enthusiasts alike.
Unlike other Trekkies and collectors who have to join priority lists for a shot at these limited allocations, local Nashville Barrel Company fans will have access to a limited number of bottles at NBC’s tasting rooms off Fessler’s Lane, as well as their newest tasting room in Louisville. The release will include Kentucky Straight Rye, High-Rye Bourbon, Barrel Proof Bourbon made in Tennessee and other specialty products and finishes.
Six-bottle flight of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and Rye
Next, if you’d rather donate $100 for the chance to win thousands of dollars worth of whiskey than pay $350 to make sure you take a bottle of Star Trek home with you, here's some news. The Nashville Ronald McDonald House is holding a major fundraiser to support families who need a place to stay while their children are receiving medical treatment at Nashville-area hospitals.
The organization is selling 1,500 tickets at $100 apiece, or however many have been sold by Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 10 a.m. At that point, they will draw a winner for an epic flight of rare Pappy Van Winkle whiskeys. You can even watch the drawing that day on a livestream starting at noon.
The winner will take home a complete six-bottle flight of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and Rye, including:
- Pappy Van Winkle 23-Year
- Pappy Van Winkle 20-Year
- Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year
- Van Winkle Family Reserve 13-Year Rye
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12-Year
- Old Rip Van Winkle 10-Year
Each ticket sold helps to provide most of the cost of housing a family at RMH for a week, so even if you don’t take home the whiskey, you’re a winner for helping out! For more information on how you can purchase a ticket, visit the official raffle website.
