Whiskey and auto racing may seem like an unexpected pairing, but in 2022, Jack Daniel’s took a significant step in merging these two worlds by partnering with McLaren Racing for a multi-year collaboration. The partnership has led to the release of three distinctive whiskey varieties, with the latest addition being the 2026 McLaren Mastercard F1 Team X Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. This special edition whiskey is bottled at 86 proof, a notch above the usual Jack Daniel’s strength.

This isn’t the first high-proof release in this collaboration; last year’s version was also released at 86 proof. The increase in proof heightens the whiskey’s flavor profile, enhancing its heat and texture compared to a milder variant. The whiskey maintains the familiar mash bill of 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley, ensuring that it retains the quality associated with Jack Daniel’s, distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The whiskey undergoes the distillation process that includes filtering through sugar maple charcoal, following the Lincoln County process, before being matured in new charred oak barrels.

The 2026 release not only commemorates McLaren’s milestone of their 1000th Formula 1 Grand Prix but also salutes the 160th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery. This limited-edition bottle features an eye-catching orange and black design that resembles tire tracks, reflecting the spirit of both brands. Mark Bacon, SVP and global managing director for Jack Daniel’s, emphasized the shared dedication of both brands to heritage and innovation, stating that this bottle represents their mutual legacy.

The 2026 whiskey is set to hit select retailers this month in 700-ml and one-liter formats, with an SRP of $35. Previous collaborations are still available online, including past releases featured on sites like Total Wine.