NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Big Machine Distillery announced today the upcoming release of its 2026 Borchetta Bourbon Small Batch Grand Prix Series, a limited-edition Tennessee bourbon created alongside Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. The commemorative release celebrates not only a defining moment in motorsports history but also honors Borchetta Bourbon’s dedication to hard work and heritage—honoring generations of craftsmanship in every carefully crafted bottle. The bourbon will officially launch at the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500® on May 24, 2026; however, bottles are available for pre-purchase now.
“I’m honored to partner with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing to celebrate Bobby Rahal’s historic 1986 Indianapolis 500 victory,” said Scott Borchetta, founder of Borchetta Bourbon. “Considered by many to be one of the most dramatic 500s of all time, this year’s release of our 2026 Small Batch Grand Prix Series honors this incredible milestone and the team’s ongoing legacy in motorsports. We can’t wait to toast to their continued success at this year’s Indy 500!”
In 1986, Bobby Rahal cemented his place in racing history. With just two laps to go, he surged past Kevin Cogan on a late restart, holding off a fierce field to win the 70th running of the Indianapolis 500®. It was more than just a win. It was the fastest race in event history at the time: 170.722 mph average speed. It was also the first time the race aired live, flag to flag, across the United States.
To honor the milestone, Borchetta Bourbon collaborated with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing to craft a cask-strength Tennessee bourbon that mirrors the discipline, precision, and boldness that defined Rahal’s legendary win. This limited-edition release is blended from hand-selected barrels aged a minimum of four years, offering bold oak, layered caramel, and a subtle floral heat. Each pour embodies the consistency, control, and dedication that carried Rahal across the bricks first.
“Winning the Indianapolis 500 taught me that true success comes from discipline, precision, and the courage to keep pushing when everything is on the line,” Bobby Rahal said. “Those same values are at the heart of this collaboration with Borchetta Bourbon. It’s a tribute to the legacy we built and the fighting spirit that still drives us today.”
Forty years later, Rahal remains a central figure in the sport, and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing continues to be a cornerstone of American open-wheel racing. The same competitive drive that fueled the 1986 victory lives on in every lap, every pass, and every wave of the checkered flag.
The 2026 Small Batch Borchetta Bourbon Grand Prix Series release is available for pre-purchase in limited quantities at bigmachinedistillery.com. Racing fans and bourbon enthusiasts alike are encouraged to reserve their bottles early to celebrate a lasting legacy of determination, precision, and excellence. In addition to this year’s Borchetta Bourbon Grand Prix release honoring Bobby, Big Machine Racing Productions is also proud to announce the release of the new documentary Bobby Rahal: True American Racer, now airing on Fox Sports 1.
For more information and full retailer availability for Borchetta Bourbon, please follow @BorchettaBourbon on Instagram and Facebook, visit borchettabourbon.com, or join their email list.
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About Borchetta Bourbon:
Premium Tennessee Bourbon from the Borchetta family
Borchetta Bourbon is a premium, small-batch brand proudly produced by Big Machine Distillery in Tennessee. Founded by Scott Borchetta, the brand represents the family’s passion for high-quality spirits, motorsports, and Southern tradition.
Distilled in Lynnville, TN, Borchetta Bourbon is made using heirloom red, white, and blue corn grown just five miles from the distillery. The grains are stone-milled and distilled in 100% copper pot stills, then aged in new American white oak barrels to develop its bold, complex character.
From single barrel and cask strength expressions to rare collector’s editions celebrating legendary racing figures, Borchetta Bourbon captures the spirit of performance, legacy, and craftsmanship. With several award-winning releases—including a Double Platinum and 93-point rating from spirits authority Fred Minnick—Borchetta Bourbon continues to make its mark among connoisseurs and collectors alike.
A true original from Big Machine Distillery, Borchetta Bourbon is where heritage meets horsepower—bottled in Tennessee and built for those who live full throttle.
About Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing:
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, based in Zionsville, Ind., is co-owned by three-time IndyCar Champion and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, former CBS Late Show host David Letterman, and Mi-Jack co-owner Mike Lanigan. In 2026, the team will compete in its 35th year of competition and will attempt to add to its 30 Indy car wins—including the 2004 Indy 500 from pole with Buddy Rice and the 2020 Indy 500 with Takuma Sato—their 37 poles, 112 podium finishes, and 1992 series championship. The team also competed in the American Le Mans Series from 2009-2013 as BMW Team RLL, where they won both the Manufacturer and Team Championships in the GT category in 2010 and swept all three GT titles in 2011—Manufacturer, Team, and Driver.
In 2012, the team finished second in the Team Championship and third in the Manufacturer Championship. In 2013, the team finished second in the Driver, Team, and Manufacturer Championship. From 2014 to 2021, BMW Team RLL competed in the GTLM class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with a two-car program.
In 2022, BMW M Team RLL competed in the GTD PRO class in IMSA while simultaneously ramping up for a two-car program in the much-anticipated GTP class in IMSA for 2023. In total, the team earned 25 wins—including the 2019 and 2020 Rolex 24 at Daytona endurance races—34 poles, and 107 podium finishes over its 17-year program history.
BMW M Team RLL highlights also include second-place finishes in the Manufacturer, Team, and Driver championships in 2015 and 2017, and being named the 2020 Michelin North American Endurance Champions.
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