Jack Daniel’s Launched a New Whiskey Collab With McLaren Racing
Whiskey and car racing go together like… well, they really shouldn’t literally go together, but several brands and distilleries have partnered with major racing organizations. One of the biggest of them all arrived in 2022 when Jack Daniel’s announced a multiyear partnership with McLaren Racing. There have been three special whiskey releases so far, and the fourth—2026 McLaren Mastercard F1 Team X Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey—is bottled at 86 proof, which is stronger than regular Jack.
This is not the first time the whiskey’s proof has been amped up for this collaborative release, as last year’s version was also bottled at 86 proof. And while six degrees might not sound like a huge difference, it really does have an impact upon the whiskey’s flavor, allowing more heat and texture to shine through because it is less diluted. The mashbill is, of course, the same that Jack uses for all of its whiskey aside from the rye: 80 percent corn, 8 percent rye, and 12 percent malted barley. And the whiskey is, as always, entirely distilled in Lynchburg, Tenn. and filtered through ten feet of sugar maple charcoal (the Lincoln County process) before being aged in new charred oak barrels. After aging, it’s bottled at 86 proof, which according to the distillery gives it a “fuller, more robust flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, finishing smooth and creamy”—and still retains Jack’s signature banana note.
This bottle release is meant to honor two milestones: McLaren’s 1000th Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the 160th year of the Jack Daniel Distillery churning out Tennessee whiskey. The orange and black label design, featuring what looks like tire tracks, is said to match designs that will appear throughout the 2026 season. “Jack Daniel’s and McLaren both possess a dedication to heritage, innovation and the pursuit of possibility,” said Mark Bacon, SVP and global managing director for Jack, in a statement. “This year’s limited-edition bottle celebrates that shared legacy with a bold design that gives fans a premium way to celebrate the spirit of both brands.”
Look for the 2026 McLaren Mastercard F1 Team X Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey at select retailers starting this month in both 700-ml and one-liter formats (SRP $35). And you can still find releases from other years at websites like Total Wine.
