In the past few years, hard rock acts like MOTÖRHEAD, AC/DC and KISS have all launched their own wines, and now it's time for SLAYER to join in the battle for the thirsty metalheads, reports the Swedish business magazine Dagens Media.
Behind the launch is the start-up company Brands For Fans.
The fact that Sweden is the first market to enjoy the "Reign In Blood" wine is a well-thought-out strategy.
"Sweden is a good market to start with," says Brands For Fans founder Sari H Wilholm. "We are a small country but we have incredibly dedicated fans which makes it worthwhile to do the test launch in Sweden."
According to Wilholm, the response to the wine has been astounding. If the wine is successful, she hopes to export it to other countries.
"The demand has been enormous; we never expected it to be quite like this," she says. "Given the reactions, there seems to be a lot of SLAYER fans out there. Especially the response we have received from Finland, which has a lot of metalheads."
When asked why it was a good idea to launch a SLAYER wine, Wilholm says, "I think people understand that SLAYER would never sell their name without having been involved throughout the process and having tried and approved the product. That kind of commitment, I think, is different from other artists who release similar products."
She adds, "It is quite unexpected for a band like SLAYER to release a wine, but they are just ordinary guys who like the same things you and I do."
The wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon from California, is as uncomprimising and tough as the band. After a couple of Seasons in the Abyss, the wine has an undisputed attitude and a soft nose of dark berry fruits with oak and spicy nuances. Good mouth feel with hints of fresh fruit and juicy, smooth tannins. Well structured and rounded with subtle notes of oak, showing true Divine Intervention. Best company for the wine comes as no surprise, enjoy it while headbanging, riffing or with food, friends and great music. Reign in Wine!
Name: SLAYER "Reign In Blood" Red Cabernet Sauvignon
Item No.: 74527-09
Year: 2010
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Origin: California, USA
Quantity: 6 bottles (cardboard)
Price: 714 SEK (approximately $107) per cardboard box (6 bottles)
