In Memphis, TN, Minglewood Hall is one of the best places to catch a show if you’re in town. Recently, there was a show that proved to be one for the ages: Tora Tora with special guest Fevertree. With Tora Tora already enshrined in the Whiskey Network Family, it was time to set our sights on getting Fevertree into the mix.
Tim Dills (vocals), Mike Bertoldo (guitars), Rocko Wallz (bass), and John Patterson (drums) are backstage and engaged in their pre-show warm up. This usually involves getting limber, checking the set list, making fun of each other, and a shot of whiskey. The crowd is overflowing, and the room is electric. Something special is about to happen.
The band takes the stage, and this hometown crowd shows them big love. Mike is setting the tone as he strums the opening riff. Rocko is grooving along, cool as a cucumber. Like a lion, Tim is pacing on stage and takes the crowd into the palm of his hand. That’s when John storms in on the drums and the song “Always Be (a Southern Man)” thunders to life for the electrified crowd.
Fevertree powers through a crowd-pleasing set that showcases their prowess as musicians and songwriters. Their music is well-crafted and packs a punch, just like good music should. They rocked so hard that they knocked the power out in the building. It’s the stuff of legends! They literally brought the house down and were a tough act to follow for Tora Tora!
The hallmark of any good band is the ability to translate studio chops into a superb live performance and this band has it down pat. This hasn’t gone unnoticed, as they recently signed a deal with Curtain Call Records. For any band, this is great validation that they’ve tapped into something incredible. When asked about how things are proceeding, Mike comments, “With the deal at Curtain Call, they released ‘Buried Alive’ as the first single. In late December. They will release ‘Muddy Jesus’ as the second single.” Following that comment, Tim is quick to point out, “Whatever is released next will be new.” On that note, it’s worth probing to find out what’s cooking in terms of new music. Tim continues, “We want to make sure that it compares to the last two singles. The new music needs to be strong, and the energy of the recent live shows has helped us find new ideas naturally.”
It’s not difficult to pinpoint the grit and power being turned up a few notches in Tim’s voice for both singles. Asking him about what he may have done differently yields some pointed ribbing from the other band members. Mike quickly interjects, “He hit puberty.” John trades jabs by adding, “He’s wearing tube socks.” There’s a lot more: Tim takes it all in stride and expresses his gratitude for the compliments. He says they spent some extra time and worked with someone to help push everyone to another level. This entire interaction reveals the secret sauce of Fevertree: they are ride-or-die friends who are hell-bent on making damn good music. They tease each other mercilessly, play rad music together, and then drink whiskey.
In fact, that’s why we gathered the band together. We’ve saved the best for last and will close the Whiskey Network Blackened Issue with this band tasting some whiskey by Blackened. For starters, we take a moment to reflect on our memories of Metallica. John is quick to break the ice, “I totaled a truck listening to Metallica. I was in college and speeding down the road to get to work when someone pulled out in front of me. Car parts went flying everywhere and both cars were damaged beyond repair. When I pulled over to the curb, ‘Fade to Black’ was still playing on the radio.” The rest of band members share stories of seeing Metallica live opening for Ozzy, or on the Monsters of Rock era of tours. None of us can top the story from John. He officially wins this round.
Now that we’re truly in the mood, we get down to business and start tasting whiskey. In this session, we have the flagship Blackened, and Rye the Lightning for the band to sample. We start with the Blackened flagship that is a blend of straight whiskeys finished in black brandy barrels and is bottled at 100 proof. It’s also sonically enhanced via the proprietary method developed by Dave Pickerell and iterated by current Master Distiller Rob Dietrich.
Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment, Rocko Wallz was unable to join us. The band wanted us to print a screed of salacious things that would shame his good name. We’re a respectable publication and won’t do our whiskey brother wrong. However, his share did not go to waste.
Blackened Whiskey – Tasting Notes with Fevertree
Tim Dills (vocals)
Nose: Vanilla, and caramel
Palate: Strong caramel, burnt sugar
Finish: A little burn, heavy mouthfeel
Mike Bertoldo (guitar)
Nose: Cherry syrup, vanilla, and caramel
Palate: Prominent cherry flavor
Finish: No burn going down, medium body
John Patterson (drums)
Nose: Cherry, caramel, and vanilla
Palate: Distinct pop of cherry that mutes the vanilla and caramel
Finish: Does not drink like 100 proof, medium to oily body on the back end
We have a great time working through this first whiskey. Of course, it descends into chaos as Mike and John gang up on Tim. It’s relentless, but fun to watch. Tim gives it right back. If these guys can survive tasting whiskey together and then make music, they can conquer the world. There are some interesting insights in that John and Mike share some similarities in their palate. Tim seems to have a palate that finds the sweeter notes.
Moving on to Rye the Lightning, it’s a Kentucky straight rye whiskey with a double cask finish in Madeira and rum casks. This expression is something special and we’re eager to get into this one. It’s also 100 proof and remastered by Rob Dietrich.
Rye the Lightning Whiskey – Tasting Notes with Fevertree
Tim Dills (vocals)
Nose: Banana, butter, and a floral note
Palate: Cloves, spice
Finish: Slight alcohol bite, with more pronounced clove and spice
Mike Bertoldo (guitar)
Nose: Vanilla, a bit of ethanol
Palate: Cloves and spice
Finish: Butter and banana, with a medium body
John Patterson (drums)
Nose: Banana nut bread
Palate: Baking spice and bananas
Finish: Spice and bananas, with a medium body
They all are intrigued by this expression. We spend quite a bit of time deconstructing these flavors and putting together some intelligent whiskey banter. Then, it descends into well intentioned chaos. Tim is (jokingly) branded as a prima donna lead singer and John reveals a wild secret about a part of his anatomy that resembles that of a possum (don’t ask). Mike is making sure that Tim doesn’t add pickle juice to the whiskey to throw off the flavors. At one point, they are asking me to join the band, but I am unable to play an instrument. We end up laughing and enjoying the moment.
This is why whiskey and music go together.
Photos Courtesy of Fevertree -L to R: John Patterson, Mike Bertoldo, Tim Dills
Closing out the evening, we are all confident the Blackened Rye the Lightning is the clear winner. All of us found something to like and some pleasant surprises. All of that said, there’s plenty of love for the flagship Blackened expression, as it is a whiskey of quality and character. We’re all winners for sharing legendary whiskey and hilarious conversations!
Regarding Fevertree, we are proud to welcome Tim, Mike, and Rocko into the Whiskey Network Family. If you recall, John has already appeared in our magazine in 2022. It’s good to have them all aboard now. The band is going places and their reputation for great music and energetic live performances will be put to the test in 2024. While the details are yet to be released, touring is something that will happen. Of course, new music is already in process.
Cheers to the band for taking the time to talk to (and drink with) us. We’ll keep everyone posted on their progress throughout the New Year!
Dedicated to the memory of Roy John Patterson, Jr. who passed away on December 5th 2023. Whiskey Network sends John Patterson and his entire family condolences and healing thoughts.
