While Ole Miss fans may not be toasting after the football team’s first loss of the season against Georgia on Saturday, Rebel fans will be able to celebrate future wins with a pair of whiskeys that will pay players with every purchase.
The Grove Collective, the name, image, and likeness (NIL) organization for Ole Miss, recently announced a partnership with Bespoken Spirits for what they’re calling “Grove Bourbon.”
“[This is] a small-batch bourbon crafted to support the next generation of Mississippi legends,” a release reads. “However, the Grove Bourbon isn’t just tradition – it’s a commitment. Every bottle supports the athletes who make game day unforgettable, fueling fans and champions alike.”
As part of the deal, two whiskeys have been created to support Rebel student-athletes with bottles already available in Oxford, the state capital of Jackson, and other parts of the state, according to a release.
The Kickoff Bottle is described by the Kentucky-based distillery as a high-rye aged bourbon finished with twice-toasted oak staves for extra richness. It brings flavors of cherry vanilla, white truffle, kettle corn, mocha, and spice with every bottle. It’s bottled at 94 proof, or 47% ABV.
The Victory Bottle is described as a straight bourbon finished with heavy-toast American oak for added depth. Flavors of black walnut, fig syrup, almond fudge, vanilla, and brown sugar are complemented by a smooth, oak-driven finish. It’s bottled at 108 proof, or 54% ABV.
For those who live outside Mississippi – where liquor by mail is not allowed – in states where liquor can be ordered to your doorstep, the Grove Collective has set up a web page for online orders with delivery guaranteed between one to two weeks. Those inside the state will have to hope their local liquor store sells Grove Bourbon, or ask the store to order some for their shelves.
This isn’t the Grove Collective’s first time to combine the party with player pay. In 2023, the collective announced a Rebel-branded vodka through Foundry Distilling. At least 17 other school collectives have set up partnerships with liquor or beer companies. For example, Boise State, Iowa, and South Carolina are some that have NIL-supporting beer, while Alabama and Tennessee also have vodka deals in place to support student-athletes.