University of Louisville Basketball Legend Russ Smith Promoting Limited-Edition VILLE Bottles in Owensboro
University of Louisville basketball legend Russ Smith is making a special appearance in Owensboro this Friday to promote the release of his new limited-edition VILLE bottles. Smith, who co-founded the Mr. & Mrs. Bourbon Company (MMBC) in 2019, is set to sign bottles at the Liquor Barn on New Hartford Road from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
The VILLE bottles are part of MMBC’s partnership with The Basketball Tournament (TBC), a summer event that features alumni teams from various universities competing for a cash prize. Louisville and Kentucky will each have a team in this year’s tournament, scheduled for July 19-24.
Only 1,000 VILLE bottles will be released as part of the TBC sponsorship, and the Liquor Barn in Owensboro is one of just six stores selected to carry them. Smith has hinted at more collaborations and custom labels to come, with all proceeds from future NIL bottles going directly to University of Louisville Athletics.
In addition to the VILLE bottles, MMBC has previously released the Ethan Almighty label and has plans for more partnerships in the film and music industries. Despite initial plans for a TBT bottle for the UK alumni team, those plans were put on hold following Coach Calipari’s departure.
MMBC has also secured exclusive partnerships with Freedom Hall and Rupp Arena this year, solidifying their presence in the bourbon market. Fans and bourbon enthusiasts alike won’t want to miss this chance to meet a basketball legend and get their hands on a unique and limited-edition bottle.