Cincinnati Distilling has teamed up with the Joe Nuxhall Foundation to release a special limited-edition bourbon that celebrates the legacy of Cincinnati Reds icon Joe Nuxhall. This one-of-a-kind Joe Nuxhall Baseball Bat-Aged Bourbon not only pays tribute to a beloved figure in Cincinnati sports history but also supports a meaningful cause that brings joy to countless individuals. With a launch event planned for April 12, 2025, at March First Brewing on Fountain Square, this bourbon is already generating buzz among Reds fans, bourbon enthusiasts, and community supporters alike.
A Bourbon with a Story
Joe Nuxhall, affectionately known as the "Ol’ Lefthander," was a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame pitcher and broadcaster whose impact on the city extended far beyond the baseball diamond. His love for the game and his commitment to giving back inspired Cincinnati Distilling to create a bourbon that reflects his spirit. What makes this bourbon stand out is its unique aging process, which involves infusing the spirit with maple baseball bats—a nod to Nuxhall’s storied career on the field.
The bourbon itself is a 90-proof blend with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. This combination delivers a smooth yet bold flavor profile that’s perfect for sipping while reminiscing about Reds games or sharing stories with friends. The maple bat infusion adds a distinctive character, giving the bourbon a subtle sweetness and a touch of nostalgia that ties it directly to the sport Nuxhall cherished.
Josh Engel, marketing director at Cincinnati Distilling, expressed excitement about the project. He noted that the team felt privileged to partner with the Joe Nuxhall Foundation to craft a bourbon that honors Nuxhall’s legacy while contributing to the community. The innovative use of baseball bats in the aging process was a deliberate choice to make the bourbon as memorable as the man it celebrates.
Supporting the Joe Nuxhall Foundation
At the heart of this collaboration is the Joe Nuxhall Foundation, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities through adaptive recreation and community programs. A key focus of the foundation is the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, a state-of-the-art baseball facility in Fairfield, Ohio, designed to be fully accessible so that players of all abilities can experience the thrill of the game.
The Miracle League Fields serve over 200 players, ranging in age from 4 to 80, who participate in youth and adult leagues. The facility’s rubberized field and inclusive design ensure that everyone, regardless of physical or developmental challenges, gets a chance to step up to the plate and swing for the fences. The foundation’s mission is about more than just baseball—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, building confidence, and creating lifelong memories for players and their families.
A portion of the proceeds from every bottle of Joe Nuxhall Baseball Bat-Aged Bourbon sold will go directly to the Joe Nuxhall Foundation. These funds will help support the Miracle League Fields and other initiatives that provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in sports and community activities. By purchasing a bottle, bourbon lovers and Reds fans can contribute to a cause that embodies Nuxhall’s values of compassion and inclusion.
Kim Nuxhall, president and board chairman of the Joe Nuxhall Foundation, shared a heartfelt sentiment about the partnership. He believes his father would have been thrilled to see his love for Cincinnati and baseball celebrated in such a creative way. Kim emphasized that the bourbon not only honors his father’s legacy but also helps the foundation expand its efforts to create more opportunities for athletes with disabilities. He humorously added that Joe would likely have been first in line to try a sip of the bourbon himself.
How to Get Your Bottle
Fans eager to get their hands on this limited-edition bourbon can pre-order now through the Cincinnati Distilling website. A small reservation fee secures a bottle, with the final price set at $44.99 plus tax, payable at pickup. The official release is scheduled for April 12, 2025, and Cincinnati Distilling has planned a special launch event to mark the occasion.
The pickup and launch will take place at March First Brewing on Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati. The event promises to be a celebration of Joe Nuxhall’s legacy, complete with appearances from local Reds sports broadcasting legends and representatives from the Joe Nuxhall Foundation. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together, share their love for Cincinnati’s baseball heritage, and raise a glass to a cause that makes a difference.
Given the limited nature of this release, Cincinnati Distilling encourages fans to act quickly to reserve their bottles. The combination of a unique aging process, a tribute to a local hero, and a charitable cause makes this bourbon a must-have for collectors and supporters alike.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Joe Nuxhall’s connection to Cincinnati runs deep. As a pitcher, he made history as the youngest player to appear in a Major League Baseball game at just 15 years old. After his playing days, he became a beloved Reds broadcaster, sharing his passion for the game with generations of fans. His commitment to his hometown never wavered, and through the Joe Nuxhall Foundation, his family continues to carry forward his vision of making a positive impact.
The Joe Nuxhall Baseball Bat-Aged Bourbon is more than just a drink—it’s a celebration of a man who embodied the spirit of Cincinnati. It’s a reminder of the power of community, the joy of baseball, and the importance of ensuring everyone has a chance to play. Whether you’re a lifelong Reds fan, a bourbon aficionado, or someone who values supporting meaningful causes, this bourbon offers a way to connect with Nuxhall’s legacy.
As the April 12 launch approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be a memorable event. Cincinnati Distilling and the Joe Nuxhall Foundation invite the community to join them in honoring a true Cincinnati icon while supporting the next generation of Miracle League athletes. Pre-order your bottle today and be part of a project that’s as special as the city it represents.
For more information or to reserve your bottle, visit the Cincinnati Distilling website. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Reds history and support the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields.
