Award-winning producer and director Brett Ratner has added a new title to his increasingly long résumé: distiller. The Miami Beach-born filmmaker’s latest project is Hilhaven Lodge, an American-made whiskey inspired by his eponymous Beverly Hills 1927 mansion (“it’s literally the house spirit”), which he co-created with spirits company Diageo. Made from a blend of three American whiskeys (bourbon, rye and Tennessee), Hilhaven Lodge hit the market in late 2016 and is currently available exclusively in Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles— where it’s slated to be the featured spirit at this year’s Academy Awards Governors Ball after-party. We caught up with Ratner ahead of Sunday’s Oscars to talk Hollywood parties, whiskey and his favorite hometown spots.
How does it feel to know your whiskey is the official after-party spirit of the 2017 Academy Awards?
It’s a huge honor. Allan Carr, who owned the house in the ’70s, actually produced the Oscars, which is a weird irony since Hilhaven Lodge is the ultimate Hollywood spirit.
How did Hilhaven Lodge the property inspire Hilhaven Lodge the whiskey?
The house was built for parties and so this whiskey was designed and created for parties. The house had all kinds of Hollywood celebrations for decades before me. I’m just lucky to be the proud owner of the lodge for my generation and want people to experience my journey.
What was a typical Hilhaven party like?
It was more of a mixed crowd. It’s a place where you would’ve seen Leo DiCaprio talking to [late] movie producer Dino De Laurentiis or Danny Elfman sitting with Warren Beatty, who's partied here since the ’50s.
Have the parties changed?
It’s still a scene of cosmic proportion. I’m only popular because people want to hang out at the house, and now everyone will get to taste what it’s like living the dream—living in this house.
What does the Hollywood dream taste like?
It’s smooth. We created a whiskey that you don’t have to mix to take the edge off. You can sip it.
Why whiskey?
Everyone cool I’ve ever met and known drinks whiskey, from Frank Sinatra to Jack Nicholson. It’s just the facts.
What do you drink?
I like whiskey or other really premium stuff like Havana Club rum—the original from Cuba.
Speaking of Cuba, you’re part Cuban. Do you have a favorite Cuban restaurant in Miami?
Oh my god, I love the Cuban restaurants in Miami. When I was a kid, I used to go to Puerto Sagua on Collins Avenue or this place called La Tasca [that closed] with my grandfather. I also love Sazon Cuban Cuisine on 73rd Street and Collins Avenue.
Do you have a version of Hilhaven Lodge in Miami?
The Forge because I’ve been going there for decades. It’s where I grew up watching gangsters, Colombian drug lords, politicians and every other type of person sitting together. It’s where everyone was welcome and where you’ll still find the greatest wine list and food.
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