7 Superman Heroes and Villains in Whiskey Form

Before he was Superman, he was Kal-El, an infant resident of the planet Krypton, where he otherwise might have grown up to lead an unextraordinary life, at least by Krypton standards. Exiled to earth to escape the decidedly inconvenient fate of Krypton exploding, it was on our planet that things got interesting. Not actually made of steel, but dubbed the “man of steel,” the density of his alien molecular structure renders him impervious to that which can typically hurt us earthlings.

Now, given this physiology, it would follow that alcohol should have no effect on Superman. This didn’t, however, stop the human-brained powers that be from once writing him into a scenario where he gets drunk on too many whiskey shots and fights with himself. (Superman III, which earned one of the most unfavorable reviews of the franchise.) True fans weren’t having it. Superman can take a round of bullets, but not a round of shots? Unlikely. Clark Kent is Superman’s alter-ego, not an alternate being, so while he acts meek, he could clearly also drink all of us under the table. Nary a bullet, nor a Bulleit, can damage him.

For the sake of argument, however, let’s say that perhaps Superman just chose the wrong drink. We all have nights where the (responsible, ahem) consumption of certain libations can make us feel galvanized, while others indeed turn us into evil versions of ourselves. Johnny Walker Red, which Superman was seen drinking, just clearly wasn’t his right choice.

So what would be? In honor of this year’s Superman reboot, here’s some speculation from whiskey and Superman experts (and one quick study Superman interloper: that is, myself) on what would be the correct spiritual whiskey for the Man of Steel, as well as those of some of the other heroes and villains of the DC universe he inhabits.

Superman: Kansas Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Superman and Kansas Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Nothing about Superman suggests that Scotch whisky is where he might find additional strength. At the very least, he could have gone for Johnny Walker Blue — it’s easy to reach the top shelf when you can fly — or grabbed a bottle of Caol Ila, which kind of sounds like his given name, Kal-El. He should clearly stay away from any whiskey with “green” in its name, for obvious reasons. (If somehow you have managed to get into this without at least a cursory understanding of the franchise, here’s the obvious reason stated: it is a green material called Kryptonite that strips Superman of his power.

There’s a case to be made for Jeptha Creed Red White and Blue Kentucky Straight Bourbon, not only because of its complete adherence to the color scheme, but for its nature as estate-grown. Superman grew up on a farm, after all, but that farm was in Kansas, a state known for its wheat. Superman is inherently humble (or at least that was a strong acting choice initially made by Christopher Reeve) and so I propose he would honor his earthly upbringing and choose something more modest. Wheated, not peated, is the way to go for Superman: Kansas Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Aged for “250 million (and four) years,” via limestone filtration, and containing a high portion of wheat-based whiskey in the blend, the brand itself deems it “otherworldly smooth,” a fitting metaphor. The broad-shouldered bottle and nearly akimbo pose certainly doesn’t hurt its case, either.

Lex Luthor: Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend & Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style

Lex Luthor and Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend

Unlike Superman and many other characters in the franchise, Lex Luthor doesn’t actually have an alter-ego, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a character with extreme duality. “The character is still two-sided,” says Aaron Sparks, Bourbon Steward and owner of Mxology 21.

Regarding Luthor’s public persona, “for the man shaking hands with presidents and outmaneuvering CEOs at the gala, it’s Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend,” says Sparks. “Finished in Armagnac, Cognac, and Sherry casks, this bourbon radiates intellect, wealth, and worldliness. Layers of antique oak, dark fruit, and spice echo Lex’s charisma and cunning in the public eye. It’s bourbon for the statesman, the empire-builder — the man who owns the chessboard.”

But the other side to Luthor demands something darker: Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style. “It’s a bourbon that burns with intent — just like Lex behind the curtain, pulling the strings of world events. This is what he pours before the plan is set in motion,” proposes Sparks. “When the tie comes off and the lab lights flicker. A darker, more direct profile with rich notes of tobacco, charred oak, bitter cocoa, and cracked black pepper.”

Lois Lane: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength Bourbon

Lois Lane and Horse Soldier Barrel Strength Bourbon

There’s a whiskey called Reporter. Power’s also makes a release with “Lane” on the label. There are any number of whiskies made by or named after women: Grace O’Malley comes to mind, who doubtlessly shares some of Lois Lane’s feistiness. (On a personal note, I’m very curious to see the 2025 iteration of Lois Lane, since 1978’s Lois Lane, a rising star reporter, somehow had to ask her male colleague how to spell “bloodletting” and “massacre.” Seriously?)

Natali Villarruel, an Agave Ambassador from Chicago goes deeper into the canon, however, for a whiskey to match the vibe of Clark Kent/Superman’s colleague and love interest. Like a Kansas whiskey for Superman himself, “For Lois Lane, it’s also a nod to her family history,” says Villarruel. “She grew up as an army brat and with Metropolis representing NYC in the comic universe, Horse Soldier — founded by army veterans and honoring 9/11 — feels like the perfect fit.”

At 110 proof, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength has serious backbone, and is also a wheated bourbon, which also seems fitting for a character that demonstrates simpatico tendencies with Superman so quickly.

Mister Terrific/Michael Holt: Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged

Mister Terrific and Makers Mark Cellar Aged

Mister Terrific is the alias of Michael Holt, which happens to share the same rhythm scheme as Maker’s Mark, but that’s just satisfying poetry. Where this character has actual symbiosis with Maker’s Mark, however, is in science.

A grown-up prodigy who found meaning in knowledge after the death of his family, “Mister Terrific is known for his superior intellect,” offers Villarruel, who suggests that bourbon also had its own Mister Terrific. “Dave Pickerell of course comes to mind,” she says, who quintupled sales of Maker’s Mark during his tenure. “He had a Masters in chemical engineering,” she says, “and blended his art and intelligence during his time at Maker's and beyond.”

Since Mister Terrific is a bit of a gadget-head, Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged is an appropriate whiskey pick, as an expression that owes its pedigree to tinkering.

Green Lantern/Guy Gardner: Green River Rye Whiskey

Green Lantern and Green River Rye Whiskey.jpg — Green Lantern and Green River Rye Whiskey

For Green Lantern/Guy Gardner, it’s a choose-your-own-green-avatar adventure. There’s Green Spot, Johnny Walker Green, and any number of green-labeled rye expressions to choose from. There’s also Lost Lantern, should you enjoy the poetry of ascribing whiskey to his Guy Gardner persona.

Liz Pernat, head spirits instructor for Napa Valley Wine Academy leans into the green, but also to the character’s personality as a well, kind-of bro. “Green Lantern uses rings to fight evil,” she says, “so when Green Lantern is unwinding he’s sipping on a Green River Rye Whiskey. He uses his rings to ‘shoot the shoe’ — a popular drinking game inspired by the bottle — and practice his aim.”

Not for nothing, as rye is technically thought of as a “spicier” expression than bourbon, it’s worth noting that the actor behind the 2025 iteration of Green Lantern took inspiration from Golden Girls’ Sophia, spice in a glass if ever there was one.

Hawkgirl: Devlin Single Malt

A reincarnation of an Egyptian goddess, this one is relatively simple. As many of us are being introduced to Hawkgirl for the first time on the big screen, so, too, are we being introduced to Egyptian whiskey. Devlin Single Malt is Egypt's first premium expression in the category, a double-distilled malted barley expression with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and spice. Also, there’s a bird-like creature on the bottle, so that was easy.

You (and hopefully Hawkgirl) will forgive my keeping this one short and sweet, in light of what happens next…

Metamorpho: Octomore

“You know, it’s interesting, because Metamorpho is whiskey in a sense,” says Giacomo Ciminello, GM of The Gatherall. “Able to change its characteristics when introduced to any element. Easy to bend and manipulate using outside forces…quite arguably one of the more powerful heroes in the DC universe while being completely under utilized. An adventurer, well-traveled, intelligent, not to mention a bit of a gun for hire…” (Technically I’m the author here, but as this promises to be a near-cinematic exploration of a lesser-known character, you will understand why I have now picked up a bucket of popcorn to watch this play out.)

“Let’s get the obvious out of the way,” says Ciminello. “Stagg. From original employer to lifetime arch nemesis, Simon Stagg is essentially responsible for Metamorpho. Rex Mason, aka ‘Metamorpho’ works for Stagg industries, and the idea of drinking the name of one’s own enemy…kinda fun.”

“If we want to take the thought that his origin was not an accident and that he was the first manufactured superhuman by the US government, well, then we could argue for Woodford, the bourbon that started the wanton need for bourbon.”

“But he’s so…elemental. Right? Whiskeys are all highly dependent on the elements in which they are exposed. The temperature. The location. Who sneezed on the barrel last, etc. so immediately I go to Bruichladdich’s Octomore series, which has such a crazy process from long fermentation to slow distillation, multiple cask finishes — it really draws from everything.”

“No matter what bourbon or whiskey, Metamorpho should avoid a Manhattan at all costs,” says Ciminello, “because you never quite know what story will befall him the next day.” (fin)