TEELING Whiskey Scores Partnership Extension with Aer Lingus College Football Classic Through 2028

To celebrate the renewal of this landmark partnership TEELING unveils its first ever premium ready-to-drink canned cocktail – PHOENIX TWIST – available from game day on August 29th before nationwide rollout.

 

17th August 2026, Dublin, Ireland: TEELING® whiskey, the world’s most awarded Irish whiskey*, is proud to continue as the Official Irish Whiskey Partner of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic series, as the brand enters its fourth consecutive year supporting the landmark event. Marking the renewed partnership, TEELING Whiskey is also unveiling its first ever ready-to-drink cocktail, ‘PHOENIX TWIST’™, created for a new generation of whiskey drinkers.

 

The PHOENIX TWIST is a premium ready-to-drink canned cocktail that blends TEELING Small Batch Whiskey with crisp ginger, lime, and a twist of yuzu. From whiskey lovers to cocktail enthusiasts to sports fans, PHOENIX TWIST is a refreshing new way to enjoy the Spirit of Dublin. Officially available on game day (29th August) at the Aviva Stadium, the TEELING Distillery and other game day events, college football fans will have an exclusive first serve of TEELING Whiskey’s latest creation. The PHOENIX TWIST ready-to-drink will then be rolled out in select retailers and off-licenses nationwide.

 

Dublin has firmly established itself as the European home of American college football, with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic bringing world-class teams and tens of thousands of international visitors to the Aviva Stadium each year. Distilled in the heart of Dublin and celebrated as the ‘Spirit of Dublin,’ TEELING Whiskey has proudly helped welcome fans from around the world to experience the city’s renowned hospitality, culture and whiskey excellence with several events taking place at their award-winning distillery in Dublin’s Newmarket Square.

 

With excitement already growing across the city for the 2026 fixture, there will once again be a full programme of ‘Much More Than a Game’ events across Dublin, including:

 

• TeelGate Takeover in Dublin: This year, TEELING Whiskey is bringing the game day buzz beyond the stadium to iconic venues across the city to celebrate College Football and Irish Whiskey in the week leading up to game day. Fans and visitors can soak up the game week atmosphere and enjoy limited-edition themed cocktails at Dublin hotspots including The Hairy Lemon and River Bar. On Thursday, August 27th, fans can also enjoy a dedicated TEELING x TCU fan pop-up experience at Four Dame Lane in partnership with The Celt in McKinney, Texas. TeelGate is a must-experience for visitors and locals alike, and entry is free for all. Fans can also gather at The Cow Pub & Kitchen, just 650 metres from the Aviva Stadium, where they can enjoy game day cocktails and soak up the pre-game atmosphere before kick-off.

 

·         Pro Football Ireland Live Podcast at TEELING Whiskey Distillery: On Thursday, 27 August, the distillery will host Pro Football Ireland’s official season kick-off event featuring a live podcast ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Tickets for the event are €20 and can be purchased at Teeling Tickets – Teeling Distillery. The evening will feature Michael McQuaid, leading media voice of American Football in Ireland, alongside a panel of expert guests, including Phoebe Schecter, official ambassador of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic and one of Europe’s leading voices on American football. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the distillery, meet fellow fans, and hear expert analysis and discussions ahead of the season, all while enjoying a cocktail in TEELING’s famous Bang Bar.

 

·         UNC Band and Cheer Performance: Fans can also enjoy a free special performance from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Band and Cheer Squad on Friday, 28 August at 12pm outside the TEELING Whiskey Distillery, celebrating the unique blend of Irish hospitality and American football culture. The UNC marching band and cheerleaders will be bringing their Carolina spirit to Dublin with a special pre-game performance that is free for all to attend. Visitors can also avail of a 15% discount on distillery tours throughout the weekend using the ALCFC15 code. Book here at Whiskey Tours Dublin, Ireland | Teeling Distillery.

 

Extending the Spirit of Dublin beyond the glass, TEELING has teamed up with local favourites Doom Slice Pizza, Rolling Donut and Spilt Milk Ice Cream to create limited-edition whiskey-inspired food and dessert collaborations for fans to enjoy throughout game week.

 

In addition to exclusive game day merchandise available at the distillery and online, TEELING Whiskey is releasing a highly limited Distillery Exclusive Whiskey made especially for TCU and UNC fans. *Available in-store and online from the TEELING Whiskey Distillery, this one-off release is a keepsake to celebrate game week in Dublin.

 

Commenting on the continued partnership, Master Distiller & Blender at TEELING Whiskey Distillery, Alex Chasko said: “As an American who now calls Dublin home, I’m especially proud of the role this event plays in strengthening the connection between Ireland and the US. We’re delighted here at TEELING Whiskey to extend our partnership through 2028 and continue welcoming fans from around the world to experience the Spirit of Dublin.”

 

Brendan Meehan, Commercial Director of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, said: “We are incredibly proud of the success of our partnership with TEELING Whiskey over the past three years. Their support has helped elevate the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, and together we have created memorable experiences for fans on both sides of the Atlantic. TEELING Whiskey has become an integral part of the event, perfectly complementing our family of world-class partners including our title partner Aer Lingus. We look forward to building on this successful relationship for many years to come.”

 

United by a shared belief in progress, perseverance and the power of connection, TEELING Whiskey and the Aer Lingus College Football Classic continue to celebrate the intersection of Irish heritage and American game day spirit on a global stage.

 

TEELING Whiskey has won more than 700 international awards and welcomed over 1.2 million visitors to its Dublin distillery since opening. Named Europe’s Leading Distillery Tour 2025, the distillery has become one of Ireland’s premier visitor experiences and a must-visit destination for fans travelling to Dublin for game weekend.

 

There are limited tickets available for the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic – get yours now to be part of an unforgettable day at www.ticketmaster.ie/collegefootball – don’t miss out!

 

For more information about TEELING visit www.teelingwhiskey.com and for the latest updates and events news follow on Facebook & Instagram.

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