Buffalo Trace auctions rare Bourbons for flood fundraiser
The Buffalo Trace Distillery is auctioning some of its rarest Bourbons, as well as an all-expenses-paid trip to Fort Worth, to support Kentucky’s storm recovery effort.
Heavy flooding has devastated the area around Kentucky’s capital Frankfort since April, the second-highest flooding event in the city’s history. A tornado also swept across the region’s south on 16 May.
The flooding submerged the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, which has since reopened and scaled up its visitor offerings.
Now, to support the continuing statewide cleanup, the distillery has partnered with online platform BlockBar. The charity fundraiser, Pour it Forward for Kentucky, will see all proceeds go to the relief efforts from the American Red Cross and the Franklin County Flood Relief Fund held at the Blue Grass Community Foundation.
Jake Wenz, president and CEO of Sazerac and Buffalo Trace Distillery, said: “The recent spring storms have had a profound impact on communities across Kentucky and, especially in times like these, it’s essential that we rally people to support our neighbours in need.
“Buffalo Trace remains committed to supporting our home state, and every bid placed is a step toward helping our community recover. We’re grateful to stand alongside our partners and supporters in this effort to help ensure relief organisations have the vital resources they need to respond effectively.”
Auction and sweepstake
Bidders could win some of the distillery’s most prized bottlings through the online auction, such as Weller Millennium, Eagle Rare 25 and O.F.C. Vintage 2005.
The complete Pappy Van Winkle collection, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and 2024 Prohibition Collection are also up for grabs, as well as a bottle of Double Eagle Very Rare and a hand-crafted coffee table created from a Double Eagle Very Rare barrel by the Buffalo Trace woodcraft team.
The auction also features two different experiences. The first is the Sazerac Barrel Select experience, where a winner can pick and purchase a barrel of Blanton’s Gold, with a VIP tour and a one-night stay in Stagg Lodge.
The second is an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Fort Worth in Texas. This includes a behind-the-scenes visit of a 101 Studios set, the entertainment company behind TV show Yellowstone.
Additionally, the auction includes a variety of items donated by Chris and Morgane Stapleton, whose Traveller Whiskey is produced by Sazerac. The Stapletons’ Outlaw State of Kind charitable fund has contributed an Epiphone Hummingbird Studio guitar, exclusive merchandise and a bottle of Traveller Whiskey. Chris Stapleton has personally autographed each prize.
The fundraiser also includes a sweepstake, with one entry for every US$50 donation received. Those who enter will have the chance to win a bottle of O.F.C. Vintage 2006, and an exclusive PGA golf package, including a PGA certificate for four people to play a round of golf at the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, and two Buffalo Trace Bettinardi golf putters.
Nadine McCrindle, CEO of the Red Cross Kentucky Region, said: “We are grateful to Buffalo Trace for its support in times of disaster. Its partnership enables us to give help and hope to hundreds of families who were affected by the deadly tornado in Southern Kentucky and the severe April floods.
“Their commitment to helping individuals and families across the commonwealth recover after these devastating disasters allows us to support their road to recovery.”
Bids for Pour it Forward for Kentucky must be received by 10am EST on 5 June. Winners will be notified the week of 9 June.
Jane Higgins, director of community advancement at Blue Grass Community Foundation, added: “We know from experience that recovery is a long journey, and the needs will continue to grow. The Franklin County Flood Relief Fund is not only here for immediate relief, but also to support long-term recovery in the months to come.
“We’re thankful to be part of Buffalo Trace’s Pour it Forward for Kentucky charity fundraiser. Community partnerships like this are essential to moving forward and are all making Frankfort strong.”
Sazerac’s relief initiatives have seen the company support recovery for hurricanes in Florida and wildfires in California.
