Kansas Athletics Partners On Limited-Edition Rock Chalk Rye Whiskey

by Gary Carter
March 24, 2022

The University of Kansas Athletics recently partnered with J. Rieger & Co. to release a limited-edition Rock Chalk Straight Rye Whiskey as a tribute to the Kansas men’s basketball 1988 NCAA Championship.

“We are excited to partner with such an iconic Kansas City brand in J. Rieger with the launch of Rock Chalk Rye,” said Kansas Deputy Athletics Director Jason Booker in a prepared statement. “We are also proud to be partnering with the Jayhawk Buddy System where a portion of the proceeds from Rock Chalk Rye will go directly to fund responsible drinking programs with our campus community.”

As a nod to the 1988 NCAA KU Men’s Basketball Championship, the limited-edition collectable bottle clocks in at 88 proof (44% ABV) and was distilled, aged, and bottled at Kansas City’s J. Rieger & Co.

The Rock Chalk Straight Rye Whiskey label features the 1912 Jayhawk and an illustrated Allen Fieldhouse, as well as a championship banner bottle neck hanger showcasing the year of this first, limited-edition bottling.

The 750 ml bottle has a suggested retail price of $69.99, and approximately 6,000 bottles are available at the J. Rieger & Co. distillery and at select Missouri and Kansas retailers.

“My family has a long history with the University of Kansas,” said J. Rieger & Co. Co-Founder and President Andy Rieger. “My mom, a varsity diver, and my grandfather, the quarterback of the 1948 Orange Bowl Team, raised me a Jayhawk. It’s impossible to overstate how excited I am to partner with our friends at KU.”

Tasting notes for this whiskey indicate that, on the nose, “it’s immediately floral with bright orange blossom and Spring flowers with more subtle hints of dried herbs and fresh tobacco leaves. Up-front, Flavors of black pepper, caraway, salted peanuts, baking spices, and a note of cumin follow. It’s loaded with red fruits balanced by dark chocolate. French toast with raspberry preserves. Mid-pallet richness with vanilla and allspice. Reminiscent of a Root Beer Float. Lots of sweetness for a Rye, but still plenty of spice, finishing with a light, airy notes of thyme, eucalyptus, and black tea.”

For more information or to find a bottle, check out www.jriegerco.com.