Massive Bourbon Auction Assists Kentucky Tornado Relief Efforts

The benefit raised $500,000 in its first day

Whiskey
Looking to bid on rare bourbon for a good cause?
Mathew Schwartz/Unsplash

The devastating effects of the tornados that struck Western Kentucky and the surrounding region last week are still being ascertained, but it’s immediately clear that plenty of relief is needed. In response to this need, the local whiskey community has rallied, and assembled a charity auction benefitting relief efforts — and featuring a host of enticing-sounding bourbons up for bid.

This is the Kentucky Bourbon Benefit, running through December 21. “An auction of this magnitude normally takes six months to create and launch,” the organizers note on their website. “This team has pulled it together in three days, and we appreciate your understanding and patience as we execute the Kentucky Bourbon Benefit to help rebuild Western Kentucky.”

An article at Garden & Gun explores some of the most notable whiskeys made available for this auction, including a 2009 Old Rip Van Winkle 23 Year decanter and a 1937 Glencoe Bottled-in-Bond 5-year-old. In addition to bourbons themselves, the auction also features some experiential options, including private tastings and tours. There’s even some beer in the mix, if you’re so inclined, and a signed drum head from Mick Fleetwood.

One of the organizers behind the event, spirits writer Fred Minnick, noted on his blog that the auction had raised $500,000 in its first day. It’s hard to argue with bidding on great whiskey to support a deeply worthy cause.

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