LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fireball is adding a literary twist to the launch of its limited-edition Torch’d Vanilla flavor with a collectible book that combines an original romance story and a hidden compartment for whisky.
The Sazerac brand’s Fireball Vanilla Smut Stash draws inspiration from BookTok, TikTok’s community of readers, and its enthusiasm for romantasy, a genre combining romance and fantasy. The promotion includes online sales, bookstore events and a social media collaboration with actor Antonio Cipriano.
Designed to resemble a romance novel, the collectible features red-and-gold detailing and the Fireball Dragon on its cover. Inside, readers will find an original short story and a secret compartment designed to hold two 50-milliliter bottles of Fireball Torch’d Vanilla.
The new flavor combines vanilla, toasted marshmallow, smoky oak and warm baking spice with Fireball’s signature cinnamon. Bottled at 66 proof, or 33% alcohol by volume, Torch’d Vanilla is available for a limited time at participating retailers nationwide.
Danny Suich, Fireball’s senior global brand director, said the flavor release and the popularity of romance-driven reading communities created an opportunity to connect the brand with a different kind of entertainment.
“No one understands the appeal of a sweet, slow burn quite like Fireball,” Suich said. “Torch’d Vanilla, coupled with the rise of romantasy fueled by BookTok, gave us the perfect excuse to have some fun with two very different kinds of spice. Enter the Fireball Vanilla Smut Stash. Because the only thing better than a little literary fire is a whisky that packs the same heat.”
The campaign also features Cipriano, known for his role in Prime Video’s “Off Campus.” He appears as Fireball’s leading man in a promotional video running on Instagram and TikTok.
To extend the promotion beyond social media, Fireball is hosting two after-hours events at The Ripped Bodice, a bookstore specializing in romance fiction. Guests 21 and older can sample Torch’d Vanilla and receive a limited-edition copy of the book while supplies last.
The Los Angeles event is scheduled for Oct. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m., with a possible appearance by Cipriano. A second event will take place at the bookstore’s Brooklyn location Oct. 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. Invitation and RSVP information will be shared through the @FireballWhisky and @TheRippedBodice Instagram accounts.
Fans unable to attend will have two opportunities to purchase the collectible online. The Fireball Vanilla Smut Stash will be offered for $10 through Flaviar on Oct. 21 and Oct. 28 at fireballwhisky.com/smutstash. The announced start time for both releases is 9 a.m. CST.
The book promotion accompanies the nationwide retail rollout of Torch’d Vanilla, bringing together a limited-time spirits release, collectible packaging and events aimed at adult romance readers.
About Fireball
Fireball is known to ignite any occasion – from a book club to a happy hour and everything in-between – with its unique cinnamon flavor. Fireball is best enjoyed straight up as an ice-cold shot, but it also shines in cocktails or paired with your favorite beer. Guaranteed to taste like heaven and burn like hell – what happens next is up to you. For more information, visit https://www.fireballwhisky.com.
