In 2018 Raj Peter Bhakta parted ways with WhistlePig Whiskey, the premium rye brand that he founded just ten years earlier. During his time with the Vermont-based operation, he propelled the liquid from local farmer's markets to international superstardom. At the onset, the idea of an $80 bottle of rye bordered on absurd. But Bhakta's steadfast commitment to the cause — realized through the meticulous craftsmanship of master distiller Dave Pickerell —helped redefine the category. Now he's hoping to do the same thing for Armagnac.
This summer he launched an eponymous line of spirits sourced from the south of France. Bhakta Brandy is the next chapter for an industry renegade who has already made a sizable fortune by bucking convention. And he doesn't seem willing to surrender that particular approach anytime soon.
- Raj Peter Bhakta
Raj Bhakta is one of those personalities that, over the years, has embraced many a calling depending upon his whim. Well established entrepreneur, former participant on Trump's The Apprentice, candidate for a seat in the United States House of Representatives, founder of the popular rye whiskey brand WhistlePig. The list goes on.
Now, in his latest adventure, he is trying to convince whiskey drinkers and the like that ancient Armagnac, briefly finished in Islay whisky casks and sourced from an Armagnac house he acquired last year, should be the next big spirit they try. Why? Because he loves the fact it is very old, quite tasty and, at the price per bottle he has initially set it at, quite a bargain compared to Scotch that's often a fraction of the age.
The name of Bhakta's new venture is Bhakta Spirits, which he is running partially from his Bhakta Farms in Vermont (he also has the Armagnac house in France and another farm in Florida). The name of his new spirit is, simply enough, Bhakta Brandy. It is, more specifically, an Armagnac brandy blend (vintages within range from 1868-1970), 50 years of age, that's been double finished for a short spell in first Islay whisky casks (two weeks) and then another Armagnac oak barrel (one week).
- Raj Peter Bhakta
Aaron Goldfarb discusses Raj's 50 Year Armagnac venture, beginning with his success in rye whiskey and subsequent "world tour" to seek fine spirits. Goldfarb emphasizes that Armagnac remains an "esoteric" spirit in America. For Raj, this creates another opportunity like rye whiskey, though it may also pose marketing challenges. Still, Bhakta Brandy's bargain price certainly assists, and Goldfarb agrees there is nobody with the notoriety and talent to bring this spirit to light like Raj. After all, he's done it before, and he's well on his way to doing it again..
- Raj Peter Bhakta
Tucker Carlson interviews Raj on his commitment to American Revival. For Raj, this means reviving rural life, reinvesting in our land, and rediscovering our individual spirit. Beginning with broad discontent in US cities, they discuss how Raj's rural lifestyle can provide the keys to a happier, safer, and more profitable future. Indeed, his family farm is gearing up to launch their new Bhakta 50 Year Armagnac and demonstrating that success is attainable far from downtown. As Bhakta explains, the countryside demands an individual mindset, which in turn can create a "niche" and a wealthy existence even better than a crowded city.
