Mercer + Prince Blended Canadian Whisky 

Mercer + Prince Blended Canadian Whisky — In-Depth Overview

Introduction

A$AP Rocky — the American rapper and cultural icon — ventured into the spirits world with the launch of a new whisky brand: Mercer + Prince. The whisky is presented as a modern, boundary-pushing take on Canadian whisky. According to the brand, it is a “Blended Canadian Whisky” that fuses traditional whisky craftsmanship with contemporary style and global influences. (Mercer + Prince)

Mercer + Prince aims to stand out on multiple fronts: from the liquid inside the bottle to the aesthetic design of the bottle itself. The product has sparked interest — and debate — among whisky drinkers and critics alike. In this article I examine the whisky’s origin, production, tasting profile, what “people also ask” about it (with answers), community and critic perspectives, and conclude with an assessment of its place in the whisky (and broader spirits) landscape.

Origin & What Mercer + Prince Is

The Vision Behind the Brand

• Mercer + Prince is co-founded by A$AP Rocky in partnership with industry players (among them E & J Gallo Winery / Global Brand Equities) to produce a blended Canadian whisky. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)
• The name comes from two intersecting streets — Mercer Street and Prince Street — in New York City. According to A$AP Rocky, the intersection reflects a space “where people from all walks of life come together.” (Mercer + Prince)
• The official branding describes the whisky as “born at the intersection of art + culture.” The goal: to blend traditional whisky-making practices with global inspiration and a design-forward, contemporary sensibility. (Mercer + Prince)

Production: What’s in the Bottle

According to the official website and product descriptions:

• Mercer + Prince is twice distilled using Coffey stills. (Mercer + Prince)
• The whisky is aged a minimum of 4 years in American white oak (ex-bourbon) barrels — the classic regime for many North American whiskies. (Mercer + Prince)
• What differentiates Mercer + Prince is the influence of Japanese Mizunara oak during finishing or maturation: this is intended to impart “baking spice character” and help achieve a profile richer and more robust than many other Canadian whiskies. (Mercer + Prince)
• The final product is bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). (Mercer + Prince)
• According to the brand, the whisky is “blended and matured in Canada (Ontario).” (Mercer + Prince)

In short: Mercer + Prince positions itself as a Canadian-made blended whisky that respects tradition (barrel aging, Coffey distillation) while embracing cross-cultural experimentation (Mizunara oak finishing).

The Bottle & Brand Identity

One of the most striking and talked-about features of Mercer + Prince is the bottle itself — a fusion of functional design and bold aesthetics.

• The bottle was reportedly first conceived as a sketch by A$AP Rocky on a napkin. (ajc.com)
• It has a “statuesque” shape and is designed to stand out on any surface. (Mercer + Prince)
• Notably: the bottle comes with two integrated cups (rocks-glass style) built onto either end. This design encourages immediate sharing: open the bottle and pour a drink for yourself and someone else — no additional glassware required. (ajc.com)
• The label — emerald green with gold embossing — is readable whether the bottle is upright or horizontal, giving it a distinctive, modern look that leans heavily into style and cultural statement. (ajc.com)

The packaging and design reflect the ambition: to challenge traditional whisky presentation and its cultural stereotypes, aiming instead to make whisky — and whisky culture — more inclusive, stylish, and accessible. (The Daily Pour)

Tasting Profile: What Mercer + Prince Claims & What Drinkers Say

Official Tasting Notes

According to the brand:

• Nose (Aroma): Fruity aromas with sweet, whisky-style undertones derived from the ex-bourbon barrel aging. (Mercer + Prince)
• Palate (Taste): Smooth vanilla and caramel, layered with intense hints of baked apple and cinnamon — thanks in part to the Mizunara oak influence. (Mercer + Prince)
• Finish: Described as ultra-smooth and clean. (Mercer + Prince)
• The whisky is said to be “smooth enough to sip neat” yet robust enough to stand up in traditional whisky cocktails. (Mercer + Prince)
• Suggested complementary mixers include a simple cola or a spicy ginger beer. (Mercer + Prince)

What Reviewers & Drinkers Report

As with many celebrity-backed spirits, the reception is mixed. On one hand — some drinkers enjoy it; on the other — many critics find flaws.

From a user-review aggregation (on a whisky site): (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

• Some reviewers praise the whisky for being “pleasant” and “very smooth,” noting “fruity notes” and describing it as “sippable on its own or with a couple of rocks.” (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)
• Others appreciate “caramel and pecan” on the palate, and say the whisky doesn’t “burn going down.” (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)
• Yet, other reviewers find it “thin” or lacking depth, and say its flavor fades quickly — especially when used in cocktails. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

A frank critique from a whisky-industry outlet described Mercer + Prince as “a massive miss.” The reviewer argued that the whisky trades substance for style:

“The ultra-sweet syrup drives the palate … leaving you feeling like you just put a spoonful of brown sugar … in your mouth … the short and watery finish … mostly blank conclusion.” (gonetrending.com)

Also, that writer criticized the plastic cups built into the bottle: after a few uses they end up “trash,” and they don’t enhance the drinking experience. (gonetrending.com)

What People Also Ask — Common Questions & Answers

Below are frequent questions people search about Mercer + Prince, along with answers based on available sources:

Q: What is Mercer + Prince whisky?

A: Mercer + Prince is a blended Canadian whisky co-founded by A$AP Rocky. According to the brand, it is twice distilled, aged at least 4 years in American white oak (ex-bourbon) barrels, and influenced/finished with Japanese Mizunara oak to give a richer, spicier profile. (Mercer + Prince)

Q: Is it really Canadian whisky?

A: Yes — the distillation, aging, and blending reportedly occur in Canada (Ontario). The brand markets it as a Canadian whisky with modern influences. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

Q: What does it taste like (nose, palate, finish)?

A: Official tasting notes highlight fruit on the nose, with caramel and vanilla on the palate, and baked apple plus cinnamon (from the Mizunara oak) on the finish. (Mercer + Prince) In practice, drinkers report a smooth, slightly sweet whisky — some enjoy its vanilla/caramel/pecan or apple-like notes; others find it thin, overly sweet, or lacking complexity. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

Q: Should I drink it neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails?

A: The brand recommends it both neat and as a base for cocktails. It’s said to be smooth enough for sipping but robust enough to hold up in cocktails. (Mercer + Prince) Some reviewers also point out mixers like cola or ginger beer as good pairings. (Mercer + Prince) However — critics warn that in cocktails the whisky may “fade,” suggesting it might perform better neat or on the rocks. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

Q: What’s with the bottle design (cups, shape)? Is that functional or gimmick?

A: The bottle design is a core part of the brand’s identity. It includes two built-in drinking cups, intended to encourage sharing and to blend style with functionality. (ajc.com) Proponents find the design cool and innovative. Critics — however — regard it as unnecessary, impractical, and perhaps a marketing gimmick. (gonetrending.com)

Q: Is Mercer + Prince good value for money?

A: It depends on what you expect. For drinkers seeking a smooth, easy-drinking whisky with modern styling, it may offer acceptable value — especially if bought at a reasonable price (some retailers list around USD $29.99–$32). (ajc.com) For connoisseurs or those seeking complexity, depth, or a long finish, many feel the whisky doesn’t deliver — making value more questionable. (gonetrending.com)

Community & Critic Perspectives — Mixed Reactions

Like many celebrity-backed spirits, Mercer + Prince has drawn both interest and skepticism.

🎯 Positive / Appreciative Voices

• On Reddit, some users seem positively surprised:

“Mercer is fire. Not too expensive but tastes expensive.” (Reddit)

• Others say the whisky is “a solid drink, good flavor, smooth,” albeit with an unidentified nuance:

“I just picked up this 30 dollar bottle of Mercer Prince … good flavor, smooth …” (Reddit)

• From more formal reviews: some find it pleasant and “sippable on its own or with a couple of rocks,” noting caramel, pecan, or apple-like sweetness. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

⚠️ Criticisms & Disappointments

• A prominent review described the whisky as “a massive miss,” criticizing its overly sweet, syrup-like palate and watery finish. (gonetrending.com)
• The same critic argued that the bottle’s plastic cups, while visually interesting, are more gimmick than functional — and may end up discarded quickly. (gonetrending.com)
• For some drinkers, the whisky lacks depth and complexity: “thin,” “light on the palate,” with a finish that “just kills it” after a hype-driven first impression. (Reddit)

This divergence in opinion seems to stem from different expectations: those seeking an easy, smooth, modern whisky — perhaps for social settings or casual sipping — are more likely to enjoy it. Connoisseurs or those accustomed to richer, more traditional whiskies may find it lacking.

Broader Context: What Mercer + Prince Represents in Whisky Culture

To fully appreciate Mercer + Prince, it’s useful to consider it in the broader context of modern whisky (and spirits) trends:

• Celebrity-backed spirits are common, but not all are created equal. While many are criticized as “white-label cash grabs,” Mercer + Prince attempts to combine actual aging and finishing techniques (barrel aging + Mizunara influence) with a distinct brand identity. (Mercer + Prince)
• The use of Mizunara oak influence is relatively uncommon for Canadian whiskies — adding a cross-cultural dimension (Canada + Japanese oak) that underlines the “global inspiration” motif. (Mercer + Prince)
• The bottle design — with built-in cups — speaks to a contemporary, social consumption model: portability, shareability, and style over tradition. That aligns with shifting consumer attitudes toward drink presentation and social rituals.
• The brand seems aimed at lowering the barrier to whisky: marketed as accessible, stylish, and “for everyone,” rather than the stereotypical “bourbon-or-Scotch only” elitism. That’s arguably part of A$AP Rocky’s stated intent. (ajc.com)

In that sense, Mercer + Prince is less a throwback to old-school whisky tradition and more an attempt to reimagine what whisky can be for a modern generation — blending culture, style, and liquid.

Visuals: Bottle Design & Aesthetic Identity

• The first image shows the sleek bottle standing upright — emerald green label, gold lettering — giving a sense of elegance and modern branding.
• The second highlights the built-in cups at each end — a distinctive and unusual design for a whisky bottle.
• The third image (promotional) captures the brand’s connection to A$AP Rocky and culture: fashion-forward, contemporary, and deliberately non-traditional.
• The fourth shows the bottle lying horizontally — reinforcing that the label is readable either way, underlining the “design meets function” philosophy.

Conclusion — What Mercer + Prince Offers (and Where It Falls Short)

Mercer + Prince is an ambitious, modern take on Canadian whisky: one that combines barrel ageing, experimental finishing, bold packaging, and a celebrity-backed narrative. Here’s a breakdown of what it offers — and the trade-offs involved.

✅ What It Does Well

• Accessible and approachable: With 40% ABV and reportedly smooth, sweet-ish flavours (vanilla, caramel, baked apple, cinnamon), it’s friendly for new whisky drinkers or those coming from sweeter spirits.
• Design-forward and culturally relevant: The bottle — with its built-in cups — stands out as a conversation piece, and may appeal to those who value aesthetics, lifestyle, and social rituals as part of drinking.
• Cross-cultural experiment: Aging in American oak + Mizunara oak influence nods to global whisky traditions — a hybrid approach that may intrigue drinkers curious about innovation beyond bourbon and Scotch.
• Social whisky: Given its price point and profile, Mercer + Prince positions itself as a whisky for sharing, nightlife, and casual occasions — bridging traditional whisky culture and modern social drinking.

⚠️ Where It Might Disappoint

• Mixed quality / inconsistent complexity: Reviews suggest it can be thin, overly sweet or syrupy, and somewhat lacking in depth — especially compared to more traditional, aged whiskies.
• Style over substance? Some critics view the packaging gimmick (cups, bottle shape) as clouding deficiencies in the liquid itself.
• Unclear longevity: The finish and depth may not satisfy seasoned whisky drinkers seeking nuanced oak, rye, or malt character; cocktails may wash out what little subtlety remains.
• Polarising among traditionalists: For some, the blending, finishing, and especially the marketing approach may feel at odds with what “real whisky” should be.

🧭 So — For Whom Is Mercer + Prince Best Suited?

Mercer + Prince likely works best for:

• People new to whisky, or transitioning from sweeter spirits, who want something easy, smooth, and stylish.
• Those who value design, presentation, and social ritual almost as much as the drink itself — e.g., parties, sharing with friends, gifting.
• Drinkers open to experimentation — interested in cross-cultural blends, oak finishes beyond bourbon, and modern whisky reinterpretations rather than traditional expectations.
• Anyone curious about celebrity-backed spirits but wary of “white-label fluff” — willing to judge the bottle and the whisky on their own terms.

If you like — I can pull up 5–10 recent user reviews of Mercer + Prince (2023–2025) — from whisky forums/communities — to show how perceptions are evolving.
This can help you see whether the whisky tends to improve with time or if criticisms remain common.
Do you want me to build that list now?