Rick Astley's Unexpected Duet with Dexi

Black Cow vodka has announced a creative partnership with Rick Astley. At first glance it's an unexpected union. Look again and it feels completely natural: a smooth, singular spirit and a smooth, singular voice, both at their happiest when they bring people together.

Where it began

It started backstage. Before every live show, Rick takes a drink with his band. The ritual grew naturally over the course of his tours, and along the way Black Cow, his favourite vodka, became part of it.

"There is something magical about the anticipation just before you step onto the stage. The stories, the laughter and a very special bond with the people around me. A ritual to bring us all into the moment of now. And that demands a special tipple, something worthy of the occasion. For me, it's Black Cow." – Rick Astley

From there a friendship grew. Rick sent Black Cow some musical sketches he had written for the brand, among them Black Cow and Make It Smooth. "We were really inspired," said Helen Archard. "It felt like the start of a real creative friendship, so we invited Rick down to Dorset."

An unexpected harmony

When Rick first sang as a young man, that rich baritone was a glorious surprise. Nobody expected a voice like that. Black Cow surprises people in the same way. It's an incredibly smooth vodka, made entirely from milk. Both win you over with the surprise first, then keep you with their quality.

"If Black Cow could choose to be any person, it would have to be Rick," said Helen Archard, co-founder of Black Cow. "He's warm, funny, humble and kind. He's Mr Feel Good, and that's exactly what we want Black Cow to be."

Good times, good people

Part of Rick's charm is that everyone likes him. He's charismatic without any pretense, and just as at ease around a kitchen table as on a stage. Black Cow sees itself the same way. It's a premium spirit made for sharing, not for keeping on a shelf. The brand and Rick reflect each other in what they love: music, conversation, good food, friendship and storytelling. Above all, they love celebrating life and being creative. You'll find that spirit at the Black Cow Saloon, and in every well-made martini.

Stripped back

The partnership rests on one idea: quality is clearest when nothing gets in its way. "I love how Rick's voice sounds when it's pared back," said Helen Archard. "Strip away the production and you hear the pleasure and quality of his voice. Black Cow is the same. It's at its best in a martini, with no juices necessary, no sugars or bitters to hide behind. What's left is a remarkably smooth spirit that stands alone and is wonderful to sip."

The films

In West Dorset, Rick met the Black Cow. At Westhay Farm he finds himself in an unexpected duet with Dexi, the Black Cow. That moment opens a series of posts that parody the Shipping Forecast, recast as the Sipping Forecast. Each one is a small tableau set somewhere in the Dorset countryside or on its coast. Directed by Jake Scott, RSA a long-time collaborator and friend of Black Cow. Jake brought John Mathieson and his daughter Isla Mathieson on camera. Together the films paint a picture of Dorset, where land and sea are rich with invention, food, drink and inspiration. It's no wonder Black Cow sprang from this place.

The first film, A Duet, launches at 16:30 on Friday 13th November 2026 on Black Cow's and Rick Astley's channels. Two further films will follow.

For more information, images or interview requests, please contact Helen Archard: helen@blackcow.co.uk