The Knockturnal was invited to attend an exclusive evening at Amali NYC, celebrating the launch of Ja Rule’s new whiskey brand, Amber & Opal. The night was a masterclass in what happens when authenticity meets elegance, a curated blend of conversation, culture, and craft that felt very New York.
Before dinner, guests gathered for Cocktails & Conversation, a guided tasting led by Ja Rule himself alongside co-founders Herb Rice and Sandy Sandiford. From the first sip, it was clear Amber & Opal isn’t just another celebrity spirit; it’s a whiskey with depth. A 2-year straight rye infused with orange-blossom honey, lapsang souchong tea, fig, ginger, and cinnamon is smooth, rich, and intentionally crafted. The kind of bottle made for people who appreciate story as much as flavor.
The Vibe
Amali was the perfect setting, with warm light, polished energy, and a playlist that flowed like conversation. When Patrice Rushen’s “Remind Me” came on, you could feel the collective exhale that rare balance of class and comfort.
Dinner mirrored that same tone. Crab cakes, chicken, and short ribs real dishes with flavor that sticks. It was giving soul food in silk: rich, grounded, and unapologetically satisfying.
The Energy
The room was a microcosm of the city: a tech founder on one side, a model on the other, and a professor across the table. The kind of crowd where connection happens naturally.
Ja Rule was in great spirits, no pun intended. Charismatic, real, and open, he moved through the space engaging guests like old friends. You could feel his intention behind Amber & Opal, not just to pour whiskey, but to pour connection. Even when he slipped out early, that energy stayed behind warm, bold, and rooted.
The Details
The team at Amali NYC deserves their flowers. Service was flawless, bartenders and servers moving in rhythm, creating an atmosphere that felt effortless. Owners Julia Levi, James Mallios, and Kylie Monagan clearly know how to run a room. I had a chance to chat with Julia, gracious, present, and as striking as she is kind. Her energy set the tone for why Amali continues to be a go-to for elevated dining with a personal touch.
A Personal Moment
This night also marked a milestone: my 100th published article. Ja Rule took a second to congratulate me, and it meant something. Sitting there, glass in hand, surrounded by culture, music, and conversation, I realized: this is what it’s all about.
Amber & Opal isn’t just a whiskey, it’s a reflection of legacy evolving with intention.
Here’s to craft.
Here’s to culture.
And here’s to the bottle that deserves a seat at your table — from Thanksgiving to the New Year.
Amber & Opal x Amali NYC — officially the talk of the town.
Feature image shot by @foreignfoodkollective
Follow @amberopalspirits, @jarule, @amalinyc, @blk.hrb, and @pro_fes73 for more.
Special thank you to Marie Assante for the invite — a truly unforgettable night.
