Few rivalries in the SEC run as deep as Kentucky vs. Tennessee, playing first in 1893. It’s history, it’s border pride, and for decades it was played for one of the quirkiest trophies in college football, the Beer Barrel. But for the past quarter-century, that barrel has been absent from the field for a good reason. Maybe it’s time that changes though.
The birth of the barrel
The idea dates back to 1925, when Kentucky students decided the rivalry needed a symbol. Because prohibition was still in effect, they painted a barrel that became an ice water barrel, and it became a tongue-in-cheek nod to the ban on alcohol. Over the years, it became known simply as the Beer Barrel.
It's officially Tennessee-Kentucky week, and I'm writing this every day of every Tennessee-Kentucky football week until both sides do the right thing.
— Wes Rucker (@wesruckerTBA) October 28, 2024
Bring. Back. The. Beer. Barrel.
Unbelievable that this still hasn't happened. But I'm not shutting up until it does. pic.twitter.com/xCSf53X49R
Whenever Kentucky managed to upset its powerful neighbor, the victory was made sweeter by rolling the barrel back to Lexington.
The tragedy that retired it
The tradition ended abruptly in 1998 after a horrific accident. Following a win over Vanderbilt, a truck carrying several Kentucky players crashed. Defensive lineman Arthur Steinmetz and passenger Scott Brock were killed. Center Jason Watts survived but was later charged with DUI and manslaughter.
The University of Kentucky and Tennessee both agreed to immediately retire the Beer Barrel, stating it would no longer be appropriate to celebrate with a trophy linked to alcohol after the tragedy. And that was a totally viable take.
Where is It now?
The barrel itself still exists. Reports from local media suggest it sits in Tennessee’s equipment room, gathering dust, unseen, a relic of a different era just waiting to be revived.
Why It should return (in a new form)
More than two decades have passed. Today, the rivalry lacks a tangible symbol. College football thrives on tradition: the Golden Boot (Arkansas–LSU), Paul Bunyan’s Axe (Minnesota–Wisconsin), and the Keg of Nails (Louisville–Cincinnati) all amplify rivalries. And now Kentucky and Tennessee are part of a 4 year locked in schedule.
Instead of hiding it, Kentucky and Tennessee could reintroduce the trophy with a new name, honoring the lives lost in 1998. Imagine a Steinmetz-Brock Memorial Barrel, a way to acknowledge history, remember tragedy, and rekindle a once-vibrant tradition.
What fans think
Every offseason, message boards and radio shows bring it up: “Where’s the Beer Barrel?” Fans remember. Many believe renaming it is the perfect compromise, keep the tradition alive without glorifying alcohol.
Final word
Kentucky vs. Tennessee is already one of the SEC’s oldest rivalries. Restoring a trophy, in the right way, would only deepen its meaning. The barrel doesn’t need to celebrate beer anymore. It can celebrate remembrance, resilience, and rivalry.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoyes downtime with his family and Premier League soccer.You can find him on X here.Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion