LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Former Louisville Cards player Russ Smith has announced the dates and locations for the release of the new, limited edition VILLE bottles.
Smith and his brand Mr. & Mrs. Bourbon Company will have signed bourbon bottles available at six locations across Kentucky beginning June 26, 2024.
Smith will be signing bottles and giving out samples at the following locations:
- June 26 Liquor Barn Bowling Green 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. CST
- July 2 Midway Cafe Ft. Thomas, KY 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST
- July 12 Liquor Barn Owensboro (New Hartford) 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. CST
- July 13 Kroger Wine and Spirits Louisville - Breckinridge Lane 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. EST
- July 15 Liquor Barn Middletown 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST
- July 16 Liquor Barn Outer Loop 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST
As a part of Smith’s connection to MMBC’s sponsorship for the TBT tournament, only 1,000 bottles will be given out. These bottles are on a first come, first served basis.
The tournament will happen between July 19 through July 24 at Freedom Hall. Starting June 26th, the bourbon will only be available at six locations across Kentucky, along with a custom labeled TBT single barrel, according to a release.
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The demand is high to receive a bottle, especially after a post shared by the bourbon company showed UofL head basketball coach Pat Kelsey with a signed bottle.
It's only right that @patkelsey get's the first @TBT_Louisville "Ville" bottle from @TheRussdiculous 🥃 NIL bottle loading next! 🔋release dates and locations announced Monday June 17th! Stay tuned! 🚨 #louisville #bourbon @InsideTbt pic.twitter.com/sWX1VGPxJZ
— Mr & Mrs Bourbon Co. (@MrAndMrsBourbon) June 13, 2024
Leading up to the tournament, Smith and other basketball players will join him at each of the six areas for signings and to give out samples of bourbon.
“We announced this bottle collaboration in March, and it is the first of several labels coming this year,” Smith said. “Our NIL bottles will be released in late 2024 and all the proceeds will go directly to University of Louisville athletics.”
Following his collaboration with Ethan Almighty bottles this past January, he says there will be more partnerships to come.
“We have so many exciting partnerships in the works. There will be another Ethan collab, and other schools and NIL programs are reaching out to work with us. We even have several custom labels in the works in the film and music industry,” continued Smith.
The former UofL basketball player is also having a party at the Omni Hotel on July 7, 2024. He will meet fans, give out merchandise, samples of bourbon, and tournament tickets.
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