Wildcat Blue Nation
Fansided

Why the bourbon barrel disappeared, and why Kentucky and Tennessee need it to come back

ByDrew Holbrook|
Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning (16) lifts the beer barrel, which annually goes to the winner of the Vols-Kentucky SEC battle. The 5th-ranked Vols defeated the Wildcats 59-31 at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Ky., Nov. 22, 1997.
Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning (16) lifts the beer barrel, which annually goes to the winner of the Vols-Kentucky SEC battle. The 5th-ranked Vols defeated the Wildcats 59-31 at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Ky., Nov. 22, 1997. | Rex Perry / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Rivalry games in college sports are already intense, but when there’s a trophy on the line, the stakes somehow feel even higher. Whether it’s Michigan and Minnesota battling for the Little Brown Jug or Kentucky and Louisville competing for the Governor’s Cup, trophies bring history, bragging rights, and a little extra spice to the games. So, why isn’t Kentucky and Tennessee’s Bourbon Barrel still a thing?

Let’s rewind. The Bourbon Barrel Trophy was introduced in 1925 as a nod to both states’ ties to whiskey (Kentucky, of course, being the Bourbon capital). The winning team got to hoist the barrel and bring it home until the next year’s clash. It added a unique flavor to one of the SEC’s oldest rivalries. But like a lot of good things, it didn’t last forever.

In 1998, tragedy struck. After a game, two Kentucky players were involved in a fatal car accident, and alcohol was reportedly involved. Arthur Steinmetz just 19 was a defensive lineman for the Cats and Scott Brock, 21, of Hyden both lost their lives. The driver, starting center Jason Watts was injured but survived. Out of respect, both schools agreed to retire the trophy. While the decision was understandable, it left a void that’s still felt today.

Why do rivalry trophies matter so much? It’s not just about the hardware—it’s about the stories they tell. The Governor’s Cup, for instance, doesn’t just symbolize Kentucky and Louisville’s football battle; it’s a tangible piece of state pride, bringing the Bluegrass to a boil every November. It should happen in basketball too. Trophies like these give players and fans a reward that goes beyond wins and losses, even during a bad season. They represent tradition, a piece of history passed from one generation to the next that will carry on.

Imagine the drama if the Bourbon Barrel came back. Picture Kentucky players hauling it off the field in Knoxville, or Tennessee snatching it in Lexington. The rivalry would get a fresh dose of adrenaline, reminding fans why this game matters so much.

It’s time to bring back the Bourbon Barrel. Let’s honor the past while giving the present something to fight for. We can even rename it the Steinmet Brock Barrel. Keep only current scores and games on the barrel itself. Rivalry trophies make games unforgettable, and for Kentucky and Tennessee, it’s time to add a little tradition back into the mix. After all, isn’t that what college football is all about?

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