Elijah Craig is leveraging its long‑standing relationship with the PGA of America with the launch of a limited‑edition bourbon tied to the 2026 PGA Championship, strengthening a partnership that continues to integrate premium spirits into major championship golf.
The Heaven Hill Distillery brand, named the Official Bourbon of the 2026 PGA Championship, has introduced a 108‑proof Small Batch Bourbon created specifically to commemorate the 108th playing of the championship, scheduled for May 14–17, 2026, at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
The release marks the latest activation in a multi‑year agreement between Elijah Craig and the PGA of America that spans the PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, PGA National Club Championship, and other major events. According to executives, the commemorative bottling is designed to reinforce Elijah Craig’s presence both on‑site during championship week and in the retail marketplace leading up to the event.
The bourbon is produced from a small batch of barrels selected from Heaven Hill’s N and S rickhouses in Bardstown, Kentucky, and is bottled at a higher‑than‑standard proof to match the championship milestone. The packaging features co‑branding with the PGA Championship and Aronimink Golf Club, including a custom cork topper bearing the host club’s logo, positioning the bottle as both a collectible and a tournament tie‑in.
For the PGA of America, the release represents another example of how partner brands are being woven into the overall fan and hospitality experience. Elijah Craig is expected to have visibility across corporate hospitality areas, on‑course activations, and consumer‑facing promotions during championship week.
“Elijah Craig plays an integral role in enhancing the PGA Championship experience,” Ernie Vilar, senior director of global partnerships for the PGA of America, said in announcing the release, noting that the partnership allows fans and spectators to engage with the event beyond the course through licensed products.
The initiative reflects a broader trend within the golf industry, as governing bodies and event organizers increasingly collaborate with premium consumer brands to create limited‑edition products that extend championship storytelling and generate incremental revenue. Spirits brands, in particular, have become significant players in golf sponsorships due to the sport’s hospitality environment and demographic alignment.
Elijah Craig has steadily expanded its footprint in golf through player partnerships and event‑specific releases, while Heaven Hill Distillery continues to position the brand as a cornerstone of its sports and lifestyle marketing strategy.
The 2026 PGA Championship Commemorative Edition Small Batch Bourbon will ship in limited quantities to U.S. retailers ahead of the championship and will be supported by tournament‑week marketing tied to the event’s return to Aronimink.
