Buffalo Trace Bourbons raise US$1m for charity

Two hundred vintage-dated O.F.C. Bourbon bottles donated by Buffalo Trace have collectively raised more than US$1 million for charity.

The first 200 bottles of Buffalo Trace’s new O.F.C. Bourbon brand have raised more than US$1 million for charity

Frankfort, Kentucky-based distillery Buffalo Trace revealed its new O.F.C. Bourbon brand in September last year, but earmarked the first 200 bottles for various not-for-profit organisations across the US.

That first release was comprised of 100 bottles from the year 1980, 50 bottles from 1982, and 50 bottles from 1983.

Non-profit organisations were invited to apply for a bottle online, and after vetting by a third party organisation, 200 charities were chosen and bottles were shipped out before the end of 2016.

All fundraising events were completed by early March, recording a total of US$1,196,687 for a number of causes, including cancer services, cystic fibrosis, leukaemia and lymphoma, children’s rights, autism, military veterans, animal protection, arts foundations, and many more.

“We’re so happy these worthy causes will benefit from the release of this O.F.C. Bourbon,” said Kris Comstock, Bourbon marketing director at Buffalo Trace, owned by Sazerac.

“On average, US$6,100 was raised by these charities. We’re thrilled these non-profits used this opportunity to come up with creative ways to raise funds for their much needed causes.”

Hollings Cancer Centre in Charleston, South Carolina, was the top fundraiser, raising US$27,000 for its 1980 bottle of O.F.C. Bourbon at its annual Gourmet and Grapes benefit. Meals on Wheels People in Portland, Oregon, raised US$24,000, enough to provide approximately 3,250 meals.

Buffalo Trace will release its next offering of O.F.C. Vintage Bourbons later this year for consumers to purchase in retail outlets and bars. The brand honours Buffalo Trace Distillery’s original name – O.F.C. Distillery.