BLACK & GOLD SELECT RETURNS: A WHISKEY FOR THOSE WHO TAKE NO SHORTCUTS
In our second year as the Official Whiskey of CU Athletics, we’re raising a glass to tradition, teamwork, and true Colorado spirit. This fall, we kicked off football season with the second release of Ralphie’s Reserve Bourbon, featuring a bold new label design for the 2025 season. Whether you’re adding it to your collection or pouring a glass on game day, Ralphie’s Reserve is a true keepsake for CU fans.
A portion of every bottle supports the Ralphie Live Mascot Program, which provides care for CU’s beloved live buffalo mascots and promotes community education about the American Bison.
We launched the first Ralphie’s Reserve at the start of our partnership with CU Athletics, ahead of what became an unforgettable season. CU fans had plenty to celebrate as the Buffs delivered a winning record, a bowl appearance, and even brought home the Heisman Trophy.
Now, as November arrives and the holidays draw near, we’re proud to unveil the most exclusive whiskey in our CU Athletics partnership: the 2025 release of Black and Gold Select.
Back in July, Laws Whiskey House Founder Al Laws and Head Blender James Kunz made the trip to Folsom Field with whiskey samples in hand to meet with Athletic Director Rick George and members of the CU Athletics Department. Together, they explored flavor, balance, and texture to select the perfect blend for this year’s release, a 10-barrel batch featuring one barrel re-barreled from last year’s blend, carrying forward tradition while crafting something entirely new.
As a true embodiment of Colorado pride, every drop of our whiskey is grown, distilled, and aged right here in Colorado. Made with grains grown by just two Colorado family farms, our bourbon is crafted from heirloom varieties grown for flavor, not yield, a reflection of our belief that great whiskey starts long before it reaches the barrel.
Aged between five and ten years, this small-batch bourbon represents the pinnacle of our collaboration—a whiskey for those who take no shortcuts. It’s unanimously selected, deeply layered, and unmistakably Colorado.
The 2025 Black and Gold Select stands as a tribute to CU pride and the pursuit of excellence, supporting student-athletes across all 11 official collegiate sports.
Available now at the Laws Whiskey House Sanctuary and select fine retail partners, this release is one of our most elevated and limited expressions to date, a true collector’s piece, and a remarkable gift for any CU fan this holiday season.
Here’s to those who take no shortcuts. On the field, on the court, or in life.
