Cheers! Club Blue releases two bourbons to support Kentucky's NIL efforts

Just a few years ago, you couldn’t buy a beer at a Kentucky Football game. Now, you can buy bottles of bourbon to support Kentucky’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) efforts.

Club Blue, one of Kentucky’s primary collectives, teamed up with Bespoken Spirits to co-produce two exclusive bourbons, a portion of the proceeds of which will support the Cats’ NIL efforts. Club Blue Team White has a suggested retail price of $39.99, while Club Blue Select Blue goes for $99.99. The products are available for purchase now at Liquor Barn, online at ClubBlueNIL.com, and in select bars and restaurants. Kentucky statewide distribution is expected to start in January.

“This milestone is a testament to Bespoken’s speed, innovation, and expertise,” said Bespoken’s Darick Brown. “Our ability to bring a product from concept to shelves in record time highlights the value we offer to our partners and the industry.”

“At Club Blue, we are constantly looking for ways to remain innovative and competitive in a landscape that’s constantly evolving,” said Stephen Horn, Co-Founder at Club Blue. “We recognize our supporters enjoy bourbon and this new partnership will allow fans to easily display their support, while making a tangible financial impact toward NIL.”

Here is a description of each bourbon:

CLUB BLUE Team | White – $39.99
Begins from a Kentucky high-rye barrel-aged bourbon whiskey which is then specially finished with twice toasted oak staves for richness and flavor. The result is a spirit ripe with notes of candied banana, butter pecan fudge, and green melon.

CLUB BLUE Select | Blue – $99.99
Begins as a small batch Kentucky straight high-rye barrel-aged bourbon whiskey. The Blue Label is finished using ex-tequila oak and cherry wood staves for richness and flavor. The result is a complex spirit ripe with notes of bright cherry cola, savory caramel, marshmallow, and vibrant cacao.

According to the press release, Bespoken Spirits is a groundbreaking spirits company, revolutionizing the industry through its finishing process, using all-natural elements of wood, toast, and char. From there, its experts introduce meticulously crafted, proprietary micro-staves into the spirit and employ a process capable of producing a myriad of precisely calibrated natural aroma and flavor profiles. To date, Bespoken has created over 5,000 unique whiskey trials, all using less wood, water, and energy. The best of these whiskies have earned over 200 awards over the past three years, including ASCOT awards and medals from the American Distilling Institute, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, World Whiskies, New York World Wine & Spirits, and many others.

The bourbons are the latest libation to join Kentucky’s NIL offerings. In August, Club Blue released Kentucky Blue Light through a collaboration with Gravely Brewing. The beer has been extremely popular as fans seized on the chance to support the Cats by drinking a cold one. The crisp lager was perfect for the summer and fall, but now, you can stay warm with Kentucky’s iconic spirit, all while helping UK Athletics stay competitive in NIL. As Club Blue says, “Drink One For The Team.”