DENVER – University of Denver Athletics and Breckenridge Distillery have collaborated on a special commemorative bottle, a Breckenridge Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, celebrating the Denver Pioneers’ 2026 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey National Championship, with a significant portion of proceeds benefiting Denver men’s ice hockey scholarships.
The bottle was designed in collaboration with Breckenridge Distillery to honor the program’s historic achievement. It features whiskey from a special single barrel selected by Denver Athletics supporters. $100 from each bottle sold will benefit Denver men’s ice hockey scholarships, supporting the future of the program.
The Pioneers captured their 11th national championship on April 11, 2026, defeating Wisconsin in Las Vegas. Denver holds the all-time record with 11 national championships, four of which have come in the past decade: 2017, 2022, 2024 and 2026. Richard and Kitzia Goodman Head Hockey Coach David Carle guided the program to its three most recent titles, delivering three championships in five years.
That sustained success has established Denver as the standard for college hockey, combining championship performance with a commitment to developing players for the next level.
“Last spring’s 11th Denver hockey national championship, the program’s third title in five years, was a special moment in Denver Athletics history,” Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo said. “Special moments, especially ones of this magnitude, call for special commemoration. We are excited that a close group of supporters had the opportunity to provide input with Breckenridge Distillery and be a part of barrel tasting for this new product for our fans. To have a significant portion of the proceeds go towards hockey scholarships makes this a full circle commemoration and empowering future national success for the legacy and tradition that is Denver hockey.”
The collaboration brought a group of Denver Athletics supporters to Breckenridge Distillery for a firsthand look at the craftsmanship behind the release. Participants toured the facility, learned from the distillery team and evaluated different barrels before helping choose the single barrel for the commemorative bottle.
Their involvement made the selection a shared experience, giving those who support the program an opportunity to help create a lasting tribute to its latest championship.
“We were welcomed with open arms at the Breckenridge distillery. They took us to a tasting area and provided us with the tools to evaluate different barrels and interact with each other and the staff,” said Tim Thompson, a University of Denver alumnus and DU Athletics supporter. “It was great fun to play a small role in this partnership between DU Athletics and Breckenridge Distillery.”
The commemorative release highlights Breckenridge Distillery’s 100% grain-to-glass craftsmanship and growing portfolio of single-barrel whiskeys under the direction of Master Distiller Hans Stafsholt. Bottled at 101.7 proof, the release yields 230 bottles total, with aromas of balanced oak spice, caramel and brown sugar, followed by a creamy, viscous palate of caramel, brown sugar and cinnamon with a hint of black pepper spice.
“Denver hockey’s tradition of excellence reflects the same values we bring to every bottle we make — dedication, craftsmanship and pride in representing Colorado at the highest level,” said Bryan Nolt, Founder and CEO of Breckenridge Distillery. “Having DU Athletics supporters join us in the barrel room to help select this whiskey made the process truly collaborative, and knowing the proceeds will support the next generation of Denver hockey players makes this release even more meaningful.”
This limited-edition bottle will be available for $179 at Bonnie Brea Liquor, 785 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO and Mondo Vino, 3601 W. 32nd Ave, Denver, CO. Available for home delivery where permitted.
This commemorative release unites two organizations whose reputations reflect dedication to their craft, pride in their communities and achievement recognized beyond the state.
By directing a significant portion of proceeds toward men’s ice hockey scholarships, the collaboration gives the bottle a purpose beyond commemoration. It celebrates the accomplishments of Carle and the 2026 Pioneers while supporting educational and athletic opportunities for future Denver student athletes.
Selected by supporters, created in collaboration and dedicated to the future of Denver Hockey, this special single barrel release honors the people and tradition behind championship No. 11.
Age 21+. Always enjoy responsibly.
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