Seven Bourbon distilleries unite to create charity blend

For the first time in history, Kentucky’s major Bourbon distillers have joined forces to create a unique charity bottling featuring whiskey from each distillery.

The Master Distiller’s Unity edition will raise funds for the ALS Association in honour of Parker Beam

The Master Distillers’ Unity is a blend of Bourbon from the Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve and Heaven Hill distilleries bottled in two 750ml crystal decanters with silver closures.

The master distillers from each distillery – Harlen Wheatley (Buffalo Trace), Jim Rutledge (Four Roses), Fred Noe (Jim Beam), Greg Davis (Maker’s Mark), Jimmy Russell (Wild Turkey) and Chris Morris (Woodford Reserve) – united to create the unique Bourbon to raise funds for the Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund, which was created to raise money for research and patient care for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association in honour of the eponymous Heaven Hill master distiller who was diagnosed with the disease recently.

The blend, which is unfiltered and bottled at 50% abv, has been developed and approved by Parker Beam himself, and is presented as a pair in a silk-lined wooden box hand-signed by all the master distillers involved.

“Parker Beam’s impact on Heaven Hill Distilleries, as well as the Bourbon industry in general, is beyond estimation,” said Heaven Hill president Max L. Shapira. “We have already begun a number of different projects within the company to raise money for ALS research and care, including the upcoming Fall edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection, but the Master Distillers’ Unity initiative is perhaps the best single example of how our competing distilleries can come together for one of our own and join forces for a greater good. We are proud to have spearheaded this effort and proud of how our industry can collaborate for a great cause.”

The Master Distillers’ Unity will be auctioned at Bohman’s Whisky, Cognac and Rare Spirits auction in New York City on 13 October, with all proceeds going to the Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund.

The only other opportunity for consumers to try the exclusive expression will be at WhiskyFest New York on 12 October, where 10 bottles will be poured for ticket holders, other master distillers and industry figures to toast Parker Beam.

Bonhams, along with packaging manufacturers Saxco Industries, Walsen International and Promotional Wood Products, waived their fees for the creation and auction of the unique Bourbon.

It’s unknown how much the Master Distillers’ Unity will fetch at auction.