Northern Illinois Huskies Celebrate Historic Upset Victory Over Notre Dame With Limited Edition Bourbon
Northern Illinois University and Whiskey Acres are releasing a new bourbon: Boneyard Blend. (Photo: Northern Illinois University)
On Monday, Northern Illinois University unveiled a branded bourbon called “Boneyard Blend” in collaboration with Whiskey Acres Distilling Company, a distillery located in NIU’s home city of DeKalb. The release celebrates the athletic program’s 125th anniversary and its monumental victory over Notre Dame.
“We are excited to continue to partner with Whiskey Acres on this newest edition of NIU Huskies bourbon, Boneyard Blend,” NIU Vice President and Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier said in a statement. “It is a reflection of the commitment we have to communiversity collaboration and meeting those goals and objectives to move NIU athletics forward.”
The celebratory bottle features the NIU Intercollegiate Athletics’ 125th Anniversary logo in gold. The slogan “Boneyard Blend, No Luck Needed” is featured on the label, along with “16-14,” the final score from the team’s victory over Notre Dame.
Bottled at 43.5% ABV, the bourbon is a blend of four 5- and 6-year-old barrels selected by Whiskey Acres Master Distiller Robert Wallace III. The bourbon costs $57.99, and $10 from each bottle sale is being donated to NIU Athletics.
In November 2023, Northern Illinois University launched its co-branded bourbon brand with Whiskey Acres. It was a blend of 4-, 5- and 6-year-old whiskeys.
As for the latest release from the collaboration, Boneyard Blend features aromas of cornbread, according to Whiskey Acres. Underneath the cornbread are subtle undertones of vanilla, which segue into an opulent and creamy palate loaded with orange, toffee and dark cherries, coupled with baked blackberries and cinnamon. The brand shares the finish is substantial yet not overpowering, with cinnamon-laced throughout.
Bottles will be available for purchase at Whiskey Acres Distilling Company, and any bottles that remain will be available for purchase online at licensed retailers.
Follow The Daily Pour:
About The Daily Pour
Founded by Dan Abrams, The Daily Pour is the ultimate drinking guide for the modern consumer, covering spirits, non-alcoholic and hemp beverages. With its unique combination of cross-category coverage and signature rating system that aggregates reviews from trusted critics across the internet, The Daily Pour sets the standard as the leading authority in helping consumers discover, compare and enjoy the best of today's evolving drinks landscape.
