Ole Smoky® Distillery Brings Back Jason Kelce as Team Captain for Its 2025 Tailgating Season

Leading moonshine brand teams up with football legend to help fans "Tailgate Like a Champ," offering sweepstakes for a chance to score one of five Kelce-approved tailgate kits

GATLINBURG, Tenn., Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ole Smoky Distillery, the most awarded moonshine and flavored whiskey brand in the U.S. and America's most visited distillery, today named national football icon Jason Kelce as the official Team Captain for its 2025 tailgating season. With fall football kicking off this month, Kelce brings his legendary energy and love for game day traditions to lead Ole Smoky fans into a spirited season of celebrations. The football champ—known for his down-to-earth personality and passion for the game, food and fun—is teaming up with the beloved moonshine leader to spread the love and share his advice on how to "tailgate like a champ." As part of the C'mon Raise The Jar seasonal campaign, five lucky brand fans will have an opportunity to win a Jason Kelce-curated Tailgate Kit featuring exclusive gear recommended by Kelce to help make their game day rituals effortless, laid back and full of life, just like the champ himself.

"Tailgating's one of the best traditions in sports—it's all about good food, cold drinks and great people coming together for a fun time," says Jason Kelce. "Getting ready for it is half the excitement, and I'm fired up to share some of my favorite ways to make game day an absolute blast."

Here are Kelce's recommendations for game-day:

1. Go the full nine to set the scene. Turn the parking lot into a party zone with tents, chairs, coolers packed and team flags flying!
2. BBQ is the king of any tailgate. Think burgers, brats, ribs, wings, and get the marinades and sides going the night before so game day's all flavor, no stress.
3. Stock the cooler. Drinks are essential on game day but level up with Ole Smoky Moonshine—keeping every sip ice-cold while you pregame.
4. Never roll up to a tailgate without games. Bring lawn pong and cornhole and toss the pigskin around. Be sure not to forget a Bluetooth speaker—team anthems and hype tracks will keep the vibes high.
5. Themed gear is non-negotiable. You've got to show up reppin' with game day tees, team flags, even a stadium blanket if it's chilly.

The "Tailgate Like a Champ" sweepstakes runs from September 2 through November 30, 2025. Fans may enter for a chance to win by visiting cmonraisethejar.olesmoky.com.   

"As I enter my second year as Ole Smoky's official team captain, I'm proud to continue this incredible partnership," adds Kelce. "In 2025, we're taking things to the next level - bringing the same energy, camaraderie and good times all while spotlighting Ole Smoky's creative and delicious products."

Ole Smoky offers bold, flavorful moonshine and whiskey crafted for good times, tailgates and unforgettable gatherings.

According to Stephanie Moraine, Ole Smoky marketing director, Kelce's favorite, go-to pour is Blackberry Lemonade – a refreshing, two-step cocktail made by mixing Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine with good old-fashioned lemonade. For those looking for something lighter, she suggests swapping lemonade with club soda for a cool and refreshing twist to sip all season long.  

For more Ole Smoky tailgate cocktail ideas head to cmonraisethejar.olesmoky.com, and be sure to follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, X and YouTube.  

About Ole Smoky® Distillery LLC
As the leading distiller of premium, authentically crafted moonshine in the world, Ole Smoky produces over 25 authentic moonshine and 17 whiskey varieties, offering a taste for everyone and a good time for all. Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky is the leading global distiller of premium moonshine, crafting a range of innovative, authentic moonshine and whiskey products. The company's roots are traced to the Smoky Mountains' earliest settlers — families who produced moonshine with enduring pride and Appalachian spirit. It was the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee. Today, Ole Smoky is the most visited distillery in the world with over five million visitors annually, and the number one selling and most awarded moonshine brand in the world. In recognition of Ole Smoky's tremendous growth, the company has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 List of the fastest growing private companies in America for five consecutive years – 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, as well as honored with seven Shanken Communications' Hot Brand Awards and three Blue Chip Brand Awards, two 2025 Growth Brand Awards from Beverage Information Group, and the 2023 PR%F the Magazine Distillery of the Year award. Ole Smoky has now won over 500 awards to date.  

SOURCE Ole Smoky Distillery