J. Rieger & Co. is proud to partner with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to present the Fielder’s Choice Collection. This limited-edition collection of spirits celebrates two of our country’s favorite pastimes: sipping fine spirits and enjoying the great American game of baseball. Each bottle features a retro label inspired by a beloved and iconic Negro Leagues team: the Kansas City Monarchs, the Chicago American Giants, the St. Louis Stars, and the Homestead Grays. And the spirits within are just as special, including our category-redefining Kansas City Whiskey, and the three components that make that whiskey: bourbon, rye, and light corn whiskey. A portion of proceeds benefits the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
This Kansas City Whiskey finished in KC Bier Co. barrels is inspired by the Kansas City Monarchs, the longest-running franchise in Negro Leagues history, 12-time league title holders, and two-time Negro World Series Champions. Of course, beer and baseball go hand in hand, and these beer casks add a uniquely malty character to our category-redefining Kansas City Whiskey. The 94 proof celebrates Monarch legend and Kansas City hero Buck O’Neil, who lived to 94 years of age.
This Small Batch Straight Rye Whiskey honors the Homestead Grays, ten-time league title holders and Negro World Series champions in 1943, 1944, and 1948. Pennsylvania is the birthplace of rye whiskey, and, like that state’s traditional ryes, this spirit has spice! Yet it is well balanced with complex aromas and rich flavors. A very special small batch run, this limited-edition spirit boasts 100 proof/50% ABV, celebrating the 50 years this popular team entertained crowds in the Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. areas.
The St. Louis Stars were best known for winning three league titles in four years from 1928 to 1931. And this limited-edition Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be forever known as our first Small Batch Bourbon. A variation of our classic bourbon distillation of corn, rye, and malted barley, it’s rich, malty, and buttery with a unique character and personality. We love it neat or on the rocks but it’s also great in your favorite cocktails.
In honor of the Chicago American Giants, the most dominant team in Black baseball in the early 1900s, including seven league titles and championship wins in both the 1926 and 1927 Negro World Series, our limited-edition Light Corn Whiskey tastes like the quintessential baseball snack – Cracker Jacks! This delicious spirit delivers notes of popcorn, caramel, and peanut brittle. While light corn whiskey is a blending component in Rieger’s Kansas City Whiskey, this is the first time we’ve offered it as a stand-alone spirit.
