22nd October, 2024 – In celebration of five decades of unrivalled rock legacy, Brands For Fans is proud to announce the launch of KISS Hotter Than Hell Ultra Premium Rum, 50th Anniversary Edition; a bold new spirit created in partnership with the iconic rock band KISS. This limited-edition release marks the sixth addition to the acclaimed Drink It Up by KISS spirits portfolio.
Inspired by the 50th anniversary of KISS’s fan-revered 1974 album Hotter Than Hell, this ultra-premium rum is set to thrill both KISS fans and rum connoisseurs alike. Each bottle is crafted with the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and a deep appreciation for the band’s enduring influence on music and culture. With only a limited number of 2,000 bottles available, this exclusive blend is destined to become a collector’s item for fans and fine rum collectors alike.
A 14-Year-Old Blend Packed with Depth and Character
Aged for 14 years in ex-bourbon and Batavia arrack casks from Guyana and Jamaica, KISS Hotter Than Hell Ultra Premium Rum carries a 45% ABV, enhancing its boldness and depth. The exquisite aging process has imbued the rum with rich, complex flavours, resulting in a spirit that is as sophisticated as it is daring – just like the legendary band itself.
“This blend embodies the raw energy and power of KISS while offering a refined experience that rum aficionados will appreciate,” said Filip Lundquist, CEO at Brands For Fans and parent company Umida Group. “With its deep flavours and robust character, it’s a fitting tribute to a band that has been pushing boundaries for 50 years.”
A Toast to the Legacy of KISS – Tasting Notes
Nose: Sophisticated notes of butterscotch, dates, and dark chocolate
Palate: Smooth yet complex, leading with distinct tones of arrack and crème caramel. Clear oak character follows, rounded off with hints of almond, vanilla, and fudge
Finish: Full bodied and well-balanced, highlighting the character developed through extended aging
A Design Steeped in KISStory
The label of this exclusive release is a work of art, meticulously designed to pay homage to the Hotter Than Hell album cover and the era in which it was created. Every element of the design draws inspiration from the original album, adding visual and symbolic layers that KISS fans will instantly recognize and appreciate.
Neck Label:
- The mask recreated from the back of the original album incorporates each of the band members’ iconic personas: a star for The Starchild, flames for The Spaceman, whiskers for The Catman, and the unmistakable tongue for The Demon.
- The red-and-white striped pattern reflects the album’s border design, tying the bottle back to its roots.
Front Label:
- A Japanese symbol for “Powerful,” a nod to the album’s original cover, sits at the top.
- Two records flanking the symbol honour the album’s release in vinyl format.
- The text “Hotter Than Hell” is presented in the same font as the original album title, while a vortex-style pattern in the background creates a ‘black hole’ effect, transporting fans back to the wild, raw energy of the photoshoot that defined the album era.
- Flames surrounding the main text represent the concept of “Hell,” with intricate patterns within the flames linking to traditional Japanese designs and the signature circular studs worn by Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley during that time.
- Subtle references to each band member’s persona appear throughout the label: a star behind the 50th-anniversary mark for The Starchild, flames for The Demon, a bass drum symbolizing The Catman, and lightning bolts evoking The Spaceman’s signature boots.
Back Label:
- The reverse side features icons representing each band member, completing the immersive KISS experience.
Launch Markets
- Pre-order is available exclusively from 22nd October at brandsforfans.com for Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, and United Kingdom.
- Retail Price: €65 / £55
- Sweden will launch at Systembolaget from 18th November at systembolaget.com .
- Other global markets will be announced in coming months.
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About KISS
KISS remains one of the most influential bands in the history of rock and roll after 50 years. KISS has earned more Gold Album Record Awards than any American band in the history of The Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) Gold and Platinum certifications with 26 KISS albums and four solo albums released simultaneously—a feat never before achieved by any band. To date, KISS has released 44 albums, with 14 achieving Platinum status and three albums reaching multi-platinum. KISS has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and their legacy continues to grow their fan base, generation after generation.
For more information on the band’s activities and events, visit www.KissOnline.com.
About Bravado
Bravado is an industry-leading branding, merchandising and artist’s services company representing a diverse roster of iconic music artists. Bravado offers a broad range of services, including retail distribution, tour merchandising, global e-commerce, VIP/fan experiences, and fan engagement opportunities. Bravado is about building brands and legacies that live on, beyond the music. For more information, visit: www.bravado.com.
About Brands For Fans
Brands For Fans is a global leader in the sale and marketing of alcoholic beverages produced with and by artists. To date, the company has focused primarily on the rock genre with collaboration partners including KISS, Def Leppard, Motörhead, Ozzy Osbourne and Skid Row. By merging music culture with exceptional spirits, Brands For Fans brings unique drinking experiences to enthusiasts worldwide through ‘liquid merchandise’.