Whiskies to Unwind with Zack Snyder's Justice League

If you’re a fan of superheroes, you might as well pour yourself a glass of neat or whisky on the rocks because they are back on the big screen!

After conquering the small screen early this year, thanks to Marvel’s WandaVision and the ongoing The Falcon and the Winter Soldier on Disney Plus, superheroes made a return to film last week after the release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League on HBO Max, the latest film in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). But this film, also known as The Snyder Cut, isn’t just another film, and its journey to the screen is almost as interesting as its story. It is the director’s cut of the 2017 film Justice League, and it follows director Zack Snyder’s vision before he left the film’s production that fans willed into existence. 

Like the original film, it features heroes like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, and Cyborg teaming up to save the world from the supervillain Steppenwolf. But unlike the original film, it includes more backstory and characterization on The Flash, Cyborg, and Wonder Woman, while introducing another supervillain in Darkseid and laying the groundwork for future films. 

Photo from Zack Snyder's Justice League

A week into the film’s release and fans and critics generally agree that Snyder’s film is superior to the first Justice League film. But all that added material to flesh out the heroes also means more film, as the Snyder Cut ends up having an almost four-hour running time. In fact, the film was broken down into several chapters for those who prefer to consume it as they would a TV series. 

But whether you choose to watch the films in one go or in parts, one thing that seems to go well with watching some of comics’ greatest heroes defend the planet is sitting back and pouring yourself a drink. In fact, a couple of scenes even show the characters having a drink, whether it’s Aquaman chugging down a bottle of whisky before throwing it into the ocean to Batman and Alfred sitting down for a drink before making their plan to stop Steppenwolf. 

For those who prefer to pair whisky while watching the film, here are some that you can enjoy and how they compare with the members of the Justice League: 

1. Glenfarcas (12, 17) - Aquaman and Batman 

Photo from @GlenfarclasDistillery

Anyone who enjoys a sherry whisky should give Glenfarcas a try, whether it’s the 12-year or 17-year variant. The former should be consumed neat and with a drop of water and serves as a nice pairing to smoked salmon or iberico ham. As the King of the Seven Seas, Aquaman already feels at home in water, and it’s not hard to imagine him taking a glass of Glenfarclas while enjoying his favorite meal in Atlantis. 

The 17-year variant of Glenfarclas, meanwhile, contains hints of oak but is finely balanced. Aside from the smoothness identified with the brand, it combines it with the depth of their older expressions. Age is something that is considered valuable in alcoholic drinks, and one of the most experienced heroes is Batman, who fought crime in Gotham City for 20 years before putting together the Justice League. 

2. Tamnavulin Speyside Single Malt - Wonder Woman

Photo from @tamnavulinwhisky

With its amber-gold color, a sweet, mellow taste, and a rich, smooth, Sherry cask finish, Tamnavulin Speyside is something that Wonder Woman will appreciate. The rich, warm aromas of apple, toffee, and honey and its fresh, mellow palate should remind her of her beautiful home island of Themyscira, where Amazons wearing golden armor are always ready to defend it.

3. Whyte and Mackay - The Flash

Photo from Whyte and Mackay Whisky

With its smooth and warm aromas and the taste of different tropical fruits, Whyte & Mackay is the world’s only mainstream whisky that is triple matured for a richer and smoother taste. The Snyder Cut is a dark film that is consistent with his other DCEU entries, but The Flash is the hero that provides most of the film’s lighter moments and seems to have a sunny disposition and is genuinely enjoying his superpowers, making this a likely pairing.

4. Jura 12 - Superman

Photo from @JuraWhisky

Good things, as they say, take time, and the same could be said of golden-colored Jura, which is considered a modern classic that was aged 12 years. And just like this variant of whisky, fans of the Man of Steel may have to wait a while to see him on the big screen in the Snyder Cut. With aromas of chocolate, walnut, and circus fruit and flavors of honey, salted bananas, and brown sugar, its 12-year maturation in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels is certainly worth it, and so is Superman’s appearance in Justice League’s thrilling final act.