Big Machine Distillery Announces Limited-Edition Release Honoring 40th Anniversary Of Bobby Rahal’s Historic Indianapolis 500® Victory

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 500’s 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 here and at bigmachinedistillery.com in limited quantities. 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 the release of 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 here.  

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