In the heart of New Jersey, where the roar of the crowd at Rutgers Stadium still echoes like a battle cry, something special is brewing. Not just any brew, mind you, but a smooth, amber-hued Kentucky straight bourbon that's got the fighting spirit of the Scarlet Knights bottled right up inside. Eric LeGrand Bourbon, the outfit born from a former Rutgers gridiron hero, just dropped the first pour from its "Scarlet Knight Series"—a limited-run collaboration with the university itself. It's the kind of project that hits you square in the chest if you've ever bled red and white, or just appreciate a good story wrapped around a solid sip.
Image credit: Eric LeGrand Bourbon
Picture this: It's game day at Piscataway, tailgates firing up with grills smoking and old buddies swapping yarns about the '08 season or that miracle run in the Pinstripe Bowl. Now, imagine cracking open a bottle that tastes like victory earned the hard way. That's the vibe Eric LeGrand and his team are chasing with this release. LeGrand, the guy who powered through a career-ending spinal injury back in 2010 to become a voice for resilience and Rutgers pride, isn't new to the game. He suited up as a defensive tackle for the Knights from 2006 to 2009, racking up tackles and turning heads with his no-quit attitude. Fast forward to 2023, and he's co-founding a spirits brand with his buddy Brian Axelrod, turning that same grit into something you can savor neat by the fire or mixed into an old fashioned after the whistle blows.
Image credit: Eric LeGrand Bourbon
This Scarlet Knight bourbon isn't some off-the-shelf pour—it's crafted with intention, right down to the mash bill that mirrors the balance of power and finesse you need on the field. They start with 70% corn for that sweet, approachable base, kick in 21% rye to add a little edge and spice, and finish with 9% barley to round it out smooth. Aged five years in charred oak barrels down in Owensboro, Kentucky—at the Green River Distillery, no less, which holds the distinction of being the state's 10th oldest registered outfit—the whiskey clocks in at 92 proof. That's stout enough to stand up in a cocktail but refined for those quiet evenings when you're reflecting on life's big plays.
Pour yourself a dram, and the nose hits first: waves of caramel that remind you of caramel apples at the state fair, dark cherries straight from a summer orchard, and that deep, toasty oak like the scent of a well-worn leather football. There's a whisper of rye spice lurking underneath, just enough to keep things interesting without overwhelming the harmony. On the tongue, it's all about that bold rush of fruit—think ripe berries bursting with life—mingled with creamy vanilla that slides in like a perfectly timed screen pass. The finish? Warm and lingering, like the afterglow of a hard-fought win, leaving you with a gentle heat that invites another sip. Whether you're nursing it solo on the rocks or stirring it into a manhattan for the crew, this bourbon pulls you back to those moments that define loyalty and legacy.
Image credit: Eric LeGrand Bourbon
LeGrand doesn't mince words about what this means to him. "We're incredibly excited to collaborate with Rutgers University on this new bourbon series," he shared, his voice carrying that familiar gravel from years of calling games on the radio. The partnership with Rutgers Athletics kicked off in 2023, and it's been a game-changer for the brand—opening doors, building buzz, and getting fellow alumni and fans hooked on the pour during those electric autumn afternoons. "The university means so much to me," he added, "and it's been great seeing fellow Rutgers fans enjoying our bourbon on game days. Now, they can finally have a bourbon that bottles up their pride for the university and can be used to toast on many occasions." It's more than marketing talk; it's a guy giving back to the place that shaped him, turning personal history into something shareable.
And shareable it is. This inaugural drop from the Scarlet Knight Series comes in 750ml bottles, priced at a straightforward $54.99—a nod, perhaps, to the year's LeGrand wore his scarlet jersey. You won't find it everywhere, which is part of the thrill. Head to select liquor stores across New Jersey, where the shelves are stocked with local pride, or snag one online through ericlegrandwhiskey.com. For those who like their bourbon with a side of conversation, it's already hitting bars and restaurants statewide, ready to fuel post-game debates or quiet celebrations. If you're in Kentucky, Massachusetts, or New York, keep an eye out too—the brand's footprint is growing, with products distilled in Owensboro and bottled in the bourbon heartland of Bardstown.
Image credit: Eric LeGrand Bourbon
What makes this collaboration stand out isn't just the liquid gold inside the bottle; it's the full-circle moment for a university that's weathered its share of storms. Rutgers, the birthplace of college football back in 1869, has always been about underdogs rising up—the eighth president, William Henry Scott, even helped lay the groundwork for the sport that would define American Saturdays. Fast forward to today, and teaming up with a spirits brand marks uncharted territory for the Scarlet Knights. No prior whiskey tie-ins, no mass-produced merch plays. This is deliberate, a limited-edition series designed to honor the mascot's armored charge and the unbreakable bond between the school and its faithful.
Image credit: Eric LeGrand Bourbon
LeGrand and Axelrod launched Eric LeGrand Spirits in March 2023, not long after that athletics partnership sealed the deal. From the jump, they've leaned into authenticity—sourcing from Kentucky's old guard while keeping the operation rooted in New Jersey's blue-collar ethos. The result? A lineup that's earned its stripes in stores and online, with this Rutgers drop poised to be the crown jewel. Fans are already buzzing on social media, sharing photos of bottles chilling in ice buckets amid Rutgers flags and faded ticket stubs. It's the kind of thing that sparks stories: Remember that overtime thriller against Army? Or the way the student section erupted during homecoming? This bourbon doesn't just taste good; it tastes like belonging.
Image credit: Eric LeGrand Bourbon
As the series rolls out, expect more chapters in the Scarlet Knight saga—each release digging deeper into Rutgers lore, maybe nodding to iconic coaches or legendary plays. For now, though, this first edition stands tall, a testament to perseverance poured into every glass. Whether you're a lifelong Knight who's seen the program through thick and thin, or just a guy who gets what it means to raise a toast to roots that run deep, there's something undeniably satisfying about this bourbon. It's not about flash; it's about the quiet strength that gets you through the fourth quarter of life.
Grab a bottle, line up your favorite Rutgers playlist—maybe some Springsteen for that Jersey soul—and let the warmth settle in. In a world that's always rushing to the next big thing, this is a reminder to pause, reflect, and honor the fights worth remembering. For the full scoop on the Scarlet Knight and the rest of the Eric LeGrand lineup, swing by ericlegrandwhiskey.com or give @legrandwhiskey a follow on Instagram. Who knows? Your next great memory might just start with that first pour.
