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RICHMOND, Ky. — Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) today announced the launch of the Colonels Bourbon Collection, a new line of officially licensed, EKU-branded Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys produced in partnership with Bespoken Spirits of Lexington, Kentucky. The collection debuts with two expressions — Colonels Reserve and Colonels Select — each inspired by a distinct thread of EKU tradition and available now for purchase. A portion of the proceeds from each sale benefits EKU Athletics.
Colonels Reserve draws its inspiration from the frontier spirit at the heart of campus, honoring the legendary trailblazer whose statue has watched over generations of students, alumni, and supporters. Finished with ex-Port French oak staves and bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV), it carries the tagline "Where Tradition Meets a Lucky Pour" — a nod to the courage, determination, and pride of EKU with the statue's legendary "Lucky Toe" enjoyed by generations of students.
Colonels Select celebrates Saturdays at Roy Kidd Stadium — more than a football field, it has been the site of unforgettable victories, legendary players, and a fan base whose passion has never wavered. Finished with oak staves and bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV), Colonels Select is a tribute to the lights, the noise, and the Maroon and White pride that fill the stadium every game day.
Both bourbons are Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, produced and bottled by Bespoken Spirits in Lexington, and are packaged in bottles featuring official EKU branding and campus imagery. Each 750 mL bottle is intended for fans, alumni, and collectors looking to bring a piece of Colonel Country home.
"This partnership lets our alumni and fans celebrate everything it means to be a Colonel, from our campus heritage to our proudest game-day traditions, while also supporting Colonel Athletics."
— Kyle Moats, Vice President and Director of Athletics, Eastern Kentucky University
"We set out to capture two distinct sides of the EKU story, and Colonels Reserve and Colonels Select do just that. As the parent of two EKU graduates, I am especially proud to have produced a bourbon collection that celebrates Colonel tradition and supports EKU Athletics."
— Darick Brown, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Bespoken Spirits
Both products will be available at local Kentucky retailers and online at www.ekubourbon.com.
Product Details
Colonels Reserve: is a Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished with ex-Ruby Port French Oak Staves and bottled at 54% Alc/Vol (108 Proof). Its flavor profile offers notes of Blackberry Licorice, Caramel Truffle, Cassis, and Chocolate Candy. Available in 750 mL bottles. SRP $99.99
Colonels Select: is a High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished with Medium+ Toasted French Oak Staves and bottled at 47% Alc/Vol (94 Proof). Its flavor profile offers notes of Vanilla Custard, Dried Fruit Syrup, Ginger Snap, and Cinnamon Sugar. Available in 750 mL bottles. SRP $39.99
About Bespoken Spirits
Bespoken helps get the right spirit to market with more confidence, less guesswork and more room to make it your own. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Bespoken is the go-to partner for private-label spirits programs, working with more than 20 college and university athletic programs, major sport-fishing tournaments and wildlife conservation organizations; professional sports teams; nonprofit fundraising programs; and corporate gifting partners. Its existing celebrity partnerships include Hell House Whiskey with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sable Bourbon with The Best Man Group and Uncle Chicken with Whiskey Myers. By bringing flavor development, thoughtful branding and guided execution together, Bespoken helps its partners shape the right product, move faster and scale what works. Its spirits have earned more than 300 industry awards. Learn more at www.bespokenspirits.com.
