Listen to this articleEric LeGrand Bourbon announced a major new collaboration – and a special one – that brings the story of the Rutgers legend full circle.
The bourbon brand, co-founded by LeGrand and Brian Axelrod in March 2023, is teaming up with Rutgers University to release a bourbon series.
It marks the first time the university is collaborating on a spirit, which will be available for a limited time. Eric LeGrand Bourbon and Rutgers Athletics have partnered since 2023. The first drop from the “Scarlet Knight Series” debuts Oct. 1.
The limited-edition release celebrates the legacy of the university – with a nod to its mascot, The Scarlet Knight. The timing also hits right into the heart of the football season.
“We’re incredibly excited to collaborate with Rutgers University on this new bourbon series,” said LeGrand. “Since we entered our partnership with Rutgers Athletics in 2023, it opened many doors for the brand, so this was a long time coming.”
Key details about the first Scarlet Knights Series drop:
- The Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was aged for five years and bottled at 92 proof
- Comprises a mashbill of 70% corn, 21% rye and 9% barley, aimed at capturing the spirit of Rutgers University
- Offers notes of caramel, dark cherry and toasted oak with a subtle rye spice
- Smooth palate delivers bold fruit; vanilla; and a warm, lingering finish – perfect for sipping or cocktails
- Launches available in 750 ml bottles priced at $54.99 retail
- Bottles are available for purchase at select New Jersey liquor stores, online at ericlegrandwhiskey.com, and at bars and restaurants statewide
When NJBIZ connected with Axelrod over the summer, he hinted there was a major announcement on the horizon, saying a lot of exciting stuff was in the works for the brand.
“There’s just so many cool things about [the Eric LeGrand Bourbon] brand,” Axelrod told NJBIZ in July. “We are just getting started.”
And while the brand has already produced a slew of exciting collaborations and developments over these last two-plus-years since its launch, this one carries special significance given the namesake’s deep connection to the State University of New Jersey.
LeGrand is a former Rutgers football star who suffered a spinal chord injury during a game in 2010.
“The university means so much to me and it’s been great seeing fellow Rutgers fans enjoying our bourbon on game days,” said LeGrand. “Now, they can finally have a bourbon that bottles up their pride for the university and can be used to toast on many occasions.”
