LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is leaning further into college football this season, bringing back its collectible Single Barrel Collegiate Edition bottles while expanding its Bourbon Nation program through new partnerships and fan experiences.
The Louisville-based bourbon brand, produced by Heaven Hill Brands, announced a new partnership with creator-led sports media company Snapback Sports for the 2026 college football season. Evan Williams also will continue working with college sports broadcaster Molly McGrath and Learfield as part of its effort to connect bourbon with one of America’s biggest game-day traditions.
But for whiskey collectors, the biggest news may be the return of the Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles.
The limited-edition releases represent six college athletics programs: the University of Alabama, Ohio State University, University of Oklahoma, University of Oregon, University of South Carolina and Syracuse University.
Each 750-milliliter bottle contains a 2018 vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon and features custom wax in one of the participating university’s primary colors. The bottles also receive custom front and back labels and a commemorative string tag featuring the school’s logo.
The bottles began arriving in participating markets in August and are allocated exclusively within each school’s market. Select Collegiate Edition bottles also are expected to be available at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in downtown Louisville.
The combination of Evan Williams Single Barrel and school-specific packaging gives the releases an obvious appeal beyond the tailgate. For bourbon and college football collectors, the six-school lineup creates another limited-edition bottle series to hunt during the 2026 season.
“College football is built on traditions that bring people together, and that’s exactly what Evan Williams Bourbon Nation is all about,” said Max Stefka, assistant vice president at Heaven Hill Brands. “Whether it’s enjoying a tailgate with friends, collecting a special-edition bottle representing your school, or connecting with fans through new partners like Snapback Sports and Molly McGrath, we’re proud to create authentic experiences that celebrate the passion of college football season.”
Evan Williams is continuing its relationship with Learfield to reach fans at all six participating universities. The partnership includes official university relationships, on-campus activations, collectibles and game-day experiences.
New this year is Evan Williams’ partnership with Snapback Sports, a creator-led sports media company that produces college football content for a large social media audience.
Evan Williams will serve as presenting sponsor of “Snapback Saturdays,” a college football tour traveling to marquee games throughout the season. Snapback Sports also plans to participate in Evan Williams Bourbon Nation tailgates at Alabama on Oct. 10 and Oklahoma on Nov. 14.
The company will produce additional content supporting an Evan Williams sweepstakes offering fans an opportunity to win an Evan Williams tailgate trailer.
McGrath, meanwhile, returns as an Evan Williams Bourbon Nation brand ambassador and will participate in content and fan engagement initiatives throughout the season.
For Heaven Hill, the campaign provides another way to connect one of Kentucky’s best-known bourbon brands with sports fans around the country while keeping bourbon — and Kentucky — at the center of the celebration.
Evan Williams traces its name to the man credited with opening Kentucky’s first commercial distillery along the banks of the Ohio River in 1783. Today, the brand is part of Louisville-based Heaven Hill, one of the country’s largest independent, family-owned distilled spirits companies.
The collegiate bottles also underscore an increasingly important part of bourbon culture: packaging and limited releases designed to appeal not only to whiskey drinkers but also to collectors.
With university colors, school logos, a 2018-vintage Single Barrel Bourbon and distribution tied to individual college markets, the 2026 Evan Williams Collegiate Editions combine two passionate collecting communities — bourbon enthusiasts and college football fans.
And as any bourbon hunter or college football fan knows, a little friendly rivalry can make the chase considerably more interesting.
ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams is committed to honoring and supporting those who have served our country. For more than a decade, the brand has contributed over $750,000 to initiatives that benefit veterans, helping provide resources, recognition, and support to those who have demonstrated exceptional service and sacrifice. In 2024, the brand debuted ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ to celebrate college athletics through a partnership with Learfield making Kentucky’s 1st Distiller Game Day’s #1 Pour. The multi-year deal currently includes powerhouse teams at Syracuse University, The Ohio State University, the University of Alabama, the University of Oregon, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Oklahoma. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com.
About Learfield: Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
