Just days before the start of the 2026 football season, University of Kentucky Athletics announced that it has inked a multi-year partnership with Heaven Hill, America’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits company.

Located in Bardstown, Kentucky, Heaven Hill is best known for producing some of the Bluegrass State’s most recognizable bourbons, including Elijah Craig and Evan Williams, which both play a massive role in the partnership.

“When you think of Kentucky, one of the first things you think about is the Wildcats. Another is Bourbon” UK Athletics Director J Batt said. “Bourbon is foundational to the uniqueness of Kentucky’s culture and economy, and we are proud to welcome Elijah Craig and Evan Williams into the Kentucky Athletics family. This partnership creates exciting new opportunities to enhance the fan experience, celebrate our shared Kentucky heritage, and support the future of UK Athletics.”

The brand Elijah Craig, produced and owned by Heaven Hill, will invest in Kentucky’s athletic facilities, as well as hold the naming rights to the mezzanine club at Kroger Field (to be named the Elijah Craig Club) and the bourbon club at Rupp Arena (to be named the Elijah Craig Speakeasy).

“Both venues will be reimagined as fully immersive Elijah Craig destinations, featuring custom design elements drawn from the rich heritage and character of Kentucky’s signature spirit” UK Athletics stated in a release.

Alongside Elijah Craig, Evan Williams will serve as an official collegiate partner through the Evan Williams Bourbon Nation program, activating at tailgates and fan zones on gamedays in Lexington. Adding to the list of perks, a series of limited-edition, co-branded bottles of Elijah Craig and Evan Williams will also be manufactured.

The first release will feature an Elijah Craig barrel, which was picked by Batt, who traveled to Bardstown to choose the bourbon barrel, marking the launch of the partnership and the beginning of his first football season as the Athletic Director of the Wildcats.

“Elijah Craig and Evan Williams represent two sides of what makes bourbon culture great, the craftsmanship that commands respect and the spirit that brings people together” Chief Marketing Officer at Heaven Hill Matt Blevins said. “That’s exactly what UK Athletics means to this state too. Whether you are in a premium suite or a tailgate lot, we want every Kentucky fan to feel the depth of this partnership, and we are proud to be part of Big Blue Nation.”

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