Eric LeGrand creates new bourbon brand to help support those who are paralyzed
Since sustaining a spinal cord injury on the field in 2010, former Rutgers University football player Eric LeGrand has become an author, sports analyst, business owner and advocate for those who are paralyzed.
For so many, he's an inspiration. Maybe that's why some are surprised to know he likes a cocktail every now and then.
“People are so shocked when they see me drink something and I’m like, ‘Yeah, just because I have a spinal cord injury doesn’t mean I can’t have a drink,’ “ LeGrand said. “I’ve gotten that question so many times and I wanted to end the stigma.”
So, he did.
LeGrand recently launched Eric LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which offers 750-milliliter bottles ($45) to be distributed by Allied Beverage Group to New Jersey liquor stores. Bottles can also be purchased at ericlegrandwhiskey.com. Associated liquor stores will be added to the website at the end of March.
The activist, who has fought against his own grim prognosis to regain movement in his shoulders, has a few things in common with bourbon, too.
“You can’t make bourbon overnight, and it’s the same thing with spinal cord injuries,” LeGrand said. “I’m not going to be walking on my feet overnight. But I have been on this journey for over 12 years years and with bourbon, the more you age it, the better it is, and that just fits me perfectly.”
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LeGrand and bourbon brand co-founder Brian Axelrod, who has worked on the distribution and commercial side of some the most iconic spirits labels in the world, have vowed to donate $5.20 of every bourbon case sold to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. LeGrand wore No. 52 for Rutgers.
The foundation, which provided a rigorous rehabilitation regime for LeGrand through its NeuroRecovery Network, works to advance research on finding the cure for spinal cord injuries and improve quality of life for individuals and families.
LeGrand and his team have donated close to $2 million to the foundation.
“The Reeve Foundation has seen some hefty checks over the years, but we want to shatter that record,” LeGrand said. “We want to write them a huge check and be like, ‘You know what? This passion project was worth it because we made a difference in the lives of Americans with paralysis.”
Eric LeGrand Bourbon is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, distilled and bottled in Kentucky. The liquid is created with corn, limestone purified water, and fresh rye and barley. It’s then aged no less than two years in charred oak barrels. In the future, other liquors or whiskey variations may be added to the lineup.
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“We wanted our bourbon to be smooth, not bite too hard and be something you can drink on the rocks,” LeGrand said. “We wanted to make it so the bourbon lovers of the world could say, ‘Wow, this is very smooth, fruitful and has a lot of flavor to it.'”
Info: ericlegrandwhiskey.com
Contact: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Rutgers football star Eric LeGrand launches Kentucky Straight Bourbon
