Through new partnerships and returning fan favorites, Evan Williams continues to show up for the traditions, rivalries and shared game-day celebrations that bring college football fans together.
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As anticipation builds for the start of another college football season, Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the world’s #1 American-owned bourbon, is expanding Evan Williams Bourbon Nation® with new fan-focused experiences, an exciting partnership with creator-led sports media company Snapback Sports, the return of its limited-edition Evan Williams Single Barrel Collegiate Edition bottles, and the continuation of its partnership with college sports broadcaster Molly McGrath. Together, these Bourbon Nation initiatives reinforce Evan Williams’ commitment to celebrating the traditions, rivalries and communities that make college football one of America’s most beloved sports.
Max Stefka, AVP Heaven Hill Brands said, “College football is built on traditions that bring people together, and that’s exactly what Evan Williams Bourbon Nation is all about. Whether it’s enjoying a tailgate with friends, collecting a special-edition bottle representing your school, or connecting with fans through new partners like Snapback Sports and Molly McGrath, we’re proud to create authentic experiences that celebrate the passion of college football season.”
Continuing a Winning Partnership with Learfield
The 2026 season also marks the continuation of Evan Williams’ relationship with Learfield, the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through the ongoing partnership, Evan Williams Bourbon Nation will once again engage fans across six premier college athletics programs—University of Alabama, The Ohio State University, University of Oklahoma, University of Oregon, University of South Carolina and Syracuse University—bringing together official university partnerships, on-campus activations, limited-edition collectibles and memorable game day experiences that celebrate the traditions and spirit of college football.
Evan Williams Teams Up with Snapback Sports
New for 2026, Evan Williams is partnering with Snapback Sports, the creator-led sports media company connecting millions of fans through authentic, entertaining and community-driven content.
As part of the collaboration, Evan Williams will serve as the presenting sponsor of Snapback Saturdays, Snapback Sports’ college football tour traveling to marquee matchups every Saturday throughout the season. Snapback Sports will also attend Evan Williams Bourbon Nation tailgates at:
- The University of Alabama – October 10
- University of Oklahoma – November 14
Additionally, Snapback Sports will create original content supporting Evan Williams’ consumer sweepstakes, giving fans the chance to win an Evan Williams tailgate trailer.
Jack Settleman, CEO of Snapback Sports said, “Snapback Sports is built around bringing fans closer to the moments, traditions and personalities that make college football so special. Partnering with Evan Williams allows us to celebrate those experiences in an authentic way while creating content that resonates with our community.”
ESPN’s Molly McGrath Returns as Evan Williams Bourbon Nation Brand Ambassador
Evan Williams is also continuing its relationship with Molly McGrath, whose passion for college football and deep connection to the sport make her a natural ambassador for Evan Williams Bourbon Nation.
Throughout the season, McGrath will help bring fans closer to the excitement surrounding college football through Evan Williams content and fan engagement initiatives.
Limited-Edition Collegiate Edition Bottles Return
Also returning for football season are the Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Nation Collegiate Edition bottles, available in partnership with six universities:
- The University of Alabama
- The Ohio State University
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Oregon
- University of South Carolina
- Syracuse University
Available beginning in early August, the limited-edition bottles will be allocated and sold exclusively within each participating school’s market. Select Collegiate Edition bottles will also be available for purchase at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville.
Each 750mL bottle features:
- A 2018 vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon
- Custom wax dipped in one of the university’s primary colors
- A custom front label, back label and commemorative string tag featuring each schools logo and celebrating Evan Williams Bourbon Nation
The collectible bottles celebrate the traditions that unite college football fans while showcasing the craftsmanship behind Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon. The commemorative tag reads:
“Crafting a bourbon like Evan Williams Single Barrel is a tradition of time and passion. This special edition bottle celebrates Evan Williams Bourbon Nation® and the spirit that unites fans, traditions and college athletics.”
Fans can learn more about Evan Williams Bourbon Nation, participating events and promotions by visiting www.evanwilliams.com and following @evanwilliamsbourbon on social media.
ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams is committed to honoring and supporting those who have served our country. For more than a decade, the brand has contributed over $750,000 to initiatives that benefit veterans, helping provide resources, recognition, and support to those who have demonstrated exceptional service and sacrifice. In 2024, the brand debuted ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ to celebrate college athletics through a partnership with Learfield making Kentucky’s 1st Distiller Game Day’s #1 Pour. The multi-year deal currently includes powerhouse teams at Syracuse University, The Ohio State University, the University of Alabama, the University of Oregon, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Oklahoma. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com.
About Learfield: Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
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CONTACT:
Kaitlynn West
Heaven Hill Distillery
kwest@heavenhill.com
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SOURCE Heaven Hill Brands
