Hooten Young and Ruger Released New Spirits and Cigars
The partnership includes a limited-run bourbon bottled in Jacksonville and two distinct cigar blends.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Cocktails
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Hooten Young and Sturm, Ruger & Co. have teamed up to launch a collection of Ruger-branded cigars and a signature bourbon. The products will be available for pre-order starting in mid-October.
Why it matters
This collaboration combines firearm-themed branding with artisanal tobacco and spirits production, catering to collectors and enthusiasts of both industries. The limited release strategy highlights the premium positioning of the new offerings.
The Center Fire and Rim Fire cigars measure 6 x 54 and carry an MSRP of $20 each. The 96-proof Ruger First-Fire Bourbon is aged for seven years and retails for $45.99.
The players
Hooten Young
Hooten Young is a premium tobacco and spirits company that frequently collaborates on themed lifestyle products.
Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Sturm, Ruger & Co. is a major American firearms manufacturer that has expanded its brand presence into lifestyle accessories.
Manifest Distilling
Manifest Distilling is an artisanal distillery based in Jacksonville that manages the bottling and production of craft spirits.
The details
The cigars are manufactured in Esteli, Nicaragua, and come in four-packs or 20-count boxes. The bourbon, bottled by Manifest Distilling in Jacksonville, is restricted to 1,776 individually numbered units.
Timeline
Pre-orders for the new products open on October 14, 2026.
Culture Shift
This collaboration mirrors the broader trend of lifestyle-branded spirits, where heritage manufacturing firms leverage their brand identity to capture niche markets. It signals a shift in how traditional manufacturers diversify their revenue streams beyond core product lines.
Residents in Jacksonville can expect to see local production involvement through Manifest Distilling's role in the bottling process. Interested consumers should prepare to act quickly during the October 14 pre-order window due to the highly limited production of only 1,776 bottles.
The takeaway
Collectors interested in these products should monitor the Hooten Young website to ensure access during the initial pre-order phase. The combination of limited-run bottling and specific cigar dimensions suggests these items are intended primarily for display or special occasion use.
Further reading
Explore more local drink trends in our Cocktails section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Halfwheel.
Live Poll
Would you be more likely to purchase a product branded by a firearms company?
