Jack Daniel’s and McLaren rev up season with limited-edition whiskey

To kick off the 2026 Formula 1 season, the Jack Daniel Distillery has officially launched its fourth annual limited-edition bottle in partnership with the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team.

Tailored specifically for F1 fans across the UK, this year’s release carries a dual significance: it honors McLaren’s monumental 1000th Formula 1 Grand Prix alongside the 160th anniversary of the historic Jack Daniel Distillery.  

The bottle design features a striking wrap motif created to match McLaren’s 1000th Grand Prix celebration graphics, which will be visible throughout the 2026 racing season. As seen in the packaging, the design seamlessly fuses Jack Daniel’s classic branding with McLaren’s unmistakable papaya orange and deep black geometric patterns, giving the bottle a sleek, highly collectible look.  

A higher octane pour

Unlike standard Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, which sits at 80 proof (40% ABV), this exclusive F1 edition features an elevated 86 proof (43% ABV). This intentional bump in alcohol volume yields a fuller, more robust flavour profile engineered to stand out.  

The core elements of the whiskey remain true to the traditional Lynchburg process:

• The mash bill: a signature grain makeup of 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley. 
• Charcoal mellowing: every drop is filtered through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal, granting it that classic, smooth Tennessee character. 
• The aging process: mature-aged in handcrafted, bespoke American white oak barrels built directly by the distillery.  

The taste is rich, bold notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak on the palate, rounded out by a smooth, creamy finish.

The bottle hit mainstream shelves across the United Kingdom in time for the 2026 season opener.

Pursuit of possibility

The collaborative effort highlights a shared appreciation for heritage and high-octane innovation. Executives from both camps expressed high praise for the continued partnership.

Mark Bacon, SVP and global managing director for Jack Daniel’s, noted: “Jack Daniel’s and McLaren both possess a dedication to heritage, innovation and the pursuit of possibility. 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.”

Nick Martin, co-chief commercial officer at McLaren Racing, added: “Our long‑standing partnership with Jack Daniel’s is built on shared ambition, and this limited‑edition bottle gives fans a special way to acknowledge this important chapter in our journey.”

This collectible 2026 release offers F1 enthusiasts and whiskey collectors alike a bold, punchy tribute to a historic season on the track.