Eric LeGrand launches new single-barrel bourbon, raises funds for paralysis cure

Eric LeGrand has a point to prove. He’s doing it with bourbon.

“[Bourbon] was something I’ve really enjoyed over the years,” LeGrand says. “I wanted to put an end to the stigma that someone with a disability couldn’t enjoy the finer things in life.”

LeGrand, a former Rutgers football player who was paralyzed in a game in 2010, launched Eric LeGrand Spirits in 2023 with his business partner, Brian Axelrod. Their first offering was a 2.5-year-old straight bourbon; on Nov. 1, they released the brand’s first single-barrel variety, a smooth but long-finish sipper clocking in at 104 proof (or 52% ABV, in honor of LeGrand’s number at Rutgers). Truly, one of life’s finer things.

“Whoof,” LeGrand says. “Those higher proof bourbon drinkers, they’re going to love this. It definitely gives you that nice kick that you like when you take a sip, but it still goes down really smooth.”

LeGrand’s bourbon was produced at Green River Distilling Co., in Kentucky. He and Axelrod taste-tested different varieties to determine from which distillery they’d source.

“Once we tried the sample, we’re like this stuff is delicious, I think we got something here,” LeGrand says.

Tasting notes on this new single-barrel bourbon include vanilla, orange peel, soft oak and a subtle hint of black cherry. LeGrand and Axelrod bottled about 1,800 bottles of the single-barrel bourbon, so it’s a limited run; they used liquid from eight barrels, though every bottle is filled with only bourbon from a single barrel. That is to say, different bottles in this batch may have different characteristics depending on the barrel from which it came.

“You’re not mixing them together because every barrel tastes different,” LeGrand says. “Depending on how the sun is hitting it and how it’s being aged, things of that nature, every barrel tastes different.”

Though the primary intent is to, of course, create a great bourbon, LeGrand is also keen to tie his personal story to that bourbon and to use the whole package as a platform to do good.

“[Bourbon] is something that fits me,” he says. “It’s tough, it’s gritty and it’s something you can raise a glass to at the end of the day and have a mission-driven purpose with us giving back to charity.”

Funding paralysis care and research through whiskey

LeGrand and Axelrod will donate $5.20 of every case of Eric LeGrand Single Barrel Bourbon sold to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which works to find a cure for paralysis. About five and a half million people in the U.S. live with paralysis, and since the death of Christopher and Dana Reeve, LeGrand has felt a responsibility to pick up the mantle of their work.

“Since he and Dana passed away, I feel like the torch has been passed to me and I try to do as much as I can to raise awareness while raising funds … to help us find a cure for this injury,” LeGrand says. “We decided when we were doing this, obviously it’s a business and we’re working hard, but we want to make sure that it’s purpose-driven; we’re trying to help individuals like myself living with spinal cord injuries.”

The Reeve Foundation, which is headquartered in Short Hills, funds research for paralysis cures and treatment and provides support to people who are paralyzed or have other mobility issues. President and CEO Maggie Goldberg says the organization worked with LeGrand from the onset of his injury and as he’s grown his career: “He’s been such a wonderful advocate,” she says.

Visibility matters in the search for a cure, Goldberg adds. Christopher Reeve, of course, brought massive attention to the cause, but after his death in 2004, one could argue it wasn’t until LeGrand started appearing in national media (including the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2011) that another paralyzed person received similar attention.

”Eric has put a face to spinal cord injury ,particularly with his generation,” Golberg says. “We’re so grateful to Eric for his partnership. He’s an amazing ambassador; no one has his energy, his enthusiasm and his infectious smile like he does.”

LeGrand has made progress since the hit in that 2010 football game that left him paralyzed from the neck down and unable to breathe without a machine. Since, he has regained movement in his shoulders, some sensation in his body and the ability to breathe without support. He continues to rehabilitate — physical therapy for two hours once a week, daily stretching — in his quest to overcome paralysis.

Further research breakthroughs could improve LeGrand’s and others’ lives exponentially; for instance, if he can regain use of just one hand, he could feed himself, potentially drive and, generally, regain the ability to independently accomplish day-to-day tasks.

His recovery notwithstanding, LeGrand’s built a unique career for himself. In addition to the whiskey venture, he has a coffee house in Woodbridge, he’s spoken at events around the country, written two books, provides commentary during Rutgers football games and more. Looking back on the 14 years since his injury is “insane,” he says, given how far he’s come and the twists and turns the journey has brought.

‘I tell people I’m blessed. I’m surrounded by great people — my mom, my family, my friends, the support around not only the country, the world. For me, it’s just truly amazing to see. I never take that for granted,” LeGrand says. “Not every day is easy. I do have battles I’ve got to go through with a spinal cord injury: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I try to wake up every day with a purpose and, knowing I have these businesses, I know I do have a purpose and there are a lot of people relying on me.”

Where to get Eric LeGrand Bourbon

You can get Eric LeGrand Single Barrel Bourbon and the 2.5-year straight Bourbon at ericlegrandwhiskey.com and at select retailers in New Jersey. Or, pull up to Strickland’s Steakhouse in Woodbridge, Rooney’s in Long Branch or Hudson Hall in Jersey City for a straight pour or a cocktail featuring the bourbon.

LeGrand says it’s been fun working with New Jersey chefs and restaurants to get the word out about his bourbon. At Taliercio’s in Red Bank, Eric LeGrand Whiskey featured in a barbecue sauce that was smothered on a specialty sandwich. The whiskey was also used in cinnamon buns at Mav’s Top Buns in Middletown, and in ice cream flavors at Nicolas Creamery, with several Monmouth County locations.

LeGrand envisions more spirits from his and Axelrod’s whiskey company: bourbons of greater age, ryes, blends, etc. He has lofty aspirations for how big the brand can get one day, but for now he’s enjoying the journey.

“We feel like we should take over the state of New Jersey with this bourbon, but it’s definitely a hustle. It’s definitely not for everybody,” LeGrand says. “It’s not easy but I tell you what, we’re having a blast doing it, being able to go out to different bars, restaurants, liquor stores and being able to just meet up with different friends, family or just people in general coming to try the bourbon and being able to have conversations over it, that’s the best part.”

Find more information about Eric LeGrand Single Barrel Bourbon here. 

Matt Cortina is a food reporter for NorthJersey.com/The Record. Reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Eric LeGrand Whiskey releases limited-run Single Barrel Bourbon