The official name, image and likeness collective representing Penn State student-athletes now has an official vodka.
Happy Valley United has partnered with Allegheny County-based Pennsylvania Pure Distilleries’ Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka for Happy Valley Vodka. An unspecified percentage of each bottle sale will go to NIL money for Penn State student-athletes.
“Our award-winning vodka is the perfect complement to the Happy Valley scene, and is what we hope will become a game day good luck charm for all of Nittany Nation,” Barry Young, cofounder and master distiller of Pennsylvania Pure Distilleries, said in a news release. “We are thrilled with the opportunity to partner with HVU to gain more NIL support for student-athletes, and to become a part of the loyal and historic game day rituals for fans and alumni.”
Distilled from Pennsylvania potatoes and featuring a blue and white design on the bottles, the spirit will be designated the “Official Vodka of Happy Valley United.”
Happy Valley Vodka is currently available for preorder in Pennsylvania only for a Nov. 9 release. It will also be available at retailers, restaurants and pop-up events in the State College area. The company plans to eventually ship out of state.
Bottles are priced at $26.95.
“We are pleased to partner with Pennsylvania Pure Distilleries to offer Happy Valley its first official game day spirit,” Jen Ferrang, Happy Valley United general manager of development and corporate partnerships, said in a news release. “It’s another perfect way to support NIL opportunities at Penn State for all student-athletes while enjoying drinks on game day or at any gathering.”
Happy Valley Vodka is the second alcohol partnership in the NIL collective’s portfolio. New Trail Brewing Company’s State Light became the “Official Beer of Happy Valley United” in October, with $1.50 of every case sold going to the Penn State NIL fund. The Williamsport brewery had sold more than 10,000 cases of the lager between its launch in August and the partnership announcement in mid-October.
Happy Valley United supports the more than 800 Penn State student-athletes across 31 varsity sports through corporate partnerships, memberships and charitable contributions.
