Everyone around these parts knows how powerful a white out at Beaver Stadium can be. From the roar of the crowd to the electricity in the air, just being part of it is an experience no one can forget. The feeling of 100,000-plus all connected, rooting for the team to bring home the win. It is intoxicating.
Of course, that experience is something that former Nittany Lion football players Mike Mauti and Christian Hackenburg know even better than the rest of us. Mauti says it is something the two friends are trying to capture in their newest venture, a new small-batch tequila that he says is “inspired by the energy of a white out moment” and all that comes with it, including “celebration, unity, and goosebumps.”
It is called Whiteout Tequilla, naturally.
“The name nods to that electric, all-in atmosphere Pennsylvanians know — thousands moving as one,” Mauti says.
The former All-American linebacker also gave a shout out to his home state of Louisiana with a hurricane design on the bottle that looks cool. Of course, the bottle is white with blue lettering, harkening to what initially bonded these two friends and business partners, Penn State football.
As I am sure most readers know, Hackenberg was the Nittany Lions’ star quarterback from 2013 to 2015 before being drafted into the NFL. And although their times playing in Happy Valley did not align, the two men built a friendship that has grown over the years, says Mauti. He says they always dreamed of building something together.
Now, there are many celebrity tequilas out there these days, including George Clooney’s Casamigos, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Teremana, and Michael Jordan’s Cincoro, just to name a few. Mauti says Whiteout is different from those. It is built from his time spent in Mexico, learning about the tequila-making process.
“After I spent time in Jalisco learning production, I became obsessed with one idea: craft a world-class tequila that captures Pennsylvania’s most iconic, goosebump moments,” says Mauti. “We teamed up to turn that vision into Whiteout Tequila.”
The result is a product that is high on quality and culture, says Mauti.
“It’s 100% Blue Weber agave, made in small batches with a smooth, crisp finish for sipping neat or mixing without getting lost, designed to elevate the moment, not overpower it,” Mauti says. “This is not a celebrity brand; it is a culture brand.”
That culture is something every blue and white faithful can get behind. Mauti hopes every sip helps to build a connection, kind of like that connection people feel at a white out game.
I am sure the bottle will fit in well at tailgates outside of Beaver Stadium on football Saturdays. That might just be the first time people give it a shot, but Mauti feels this tequila can be there anytime people are looking to make a connection.
“Whether it’s a win, a wedding, or a Wednesday — raise a glass, look each other in the eye, and make it a Whiteout moment,” Mauti says.
The team behind Whiteout Tequila partnered with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits to break into the market over the summer. With that support, Whiteout has begun to roll out to Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores across Pennsylvania. That is just the first step, with a goal of eventually bringing the power of a white out to the whole nation.
“Phase 1 is Pennsylvania — earn it locally, win our backyard. Then, expand strategically, and scale the Whiteout Blitz [ready-to-drink] line regionally, nationally while keeping quality and community at the core,” Mauti says. Those interested in finding the product can keep an eye on whiteouttequila.com and sign up to learn where and when it might be available or served.
They also have some pretty sweet looking merch that might just be a hit on campus or at your next tailgate.
That “win our backyard” line sounds pretty familiar to the current recruiting motto: dominate the state. And why not — these two former players say a big goal is to keep that hard-working Pennsylvania ethos in every bottle. Mauti says they would be happy to share a glass with any of those fans out there who want to feel that white-out-style connection.
“We’re proud to build this in Pennsylvania with a focus on craftsmanship, community, and celebration,” says Mauti. “We’d love to toast with Town&Gown readers soon.”
Sounds good to me, dear readers. I would definitely take him up on that. Cheers! T&G
Vincent Corso enjoys drinking local and meeting new people at Central Pennsylvania’s many interesting establishments.
