Kentucky distillers, bourbon groups launch whiskey auction for flood relief

Bourbon is stepping up to help with Eastern Kentucky flood relief, mounting another auction of rare whiskeys.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Bourbon Crusaders charitable organization and bourbon writer Fred Minnick are putting together a collection of rare and vintage spirits, private barrel selections, tastings and tourism offerings from distillers and hospitality groups.

Donations for the auction include private barrel selections from Wild Turkey, Bulleit and Wilderness Trail; vintage bottles and special releases from Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, New Riff and others that are no longer available, according to KDA president Eric Gregory.

The online auction will begin Aug. 11 at noon EST and run until 11 p.m. Aug. 21. Go to kybourbonbenefit.com to view auction items and bid. All proceeds will go to the state’s official Team Kentucky Flood Relief Fund.

In December, a similar auction raised about $3.4 million for Western Kentucky tornado recovery.

“Kentucky’s Bourbon industry was there for our Western Kentucky families following the tornadoes, making the single largest donation to that relief fund — and now I am proud to see this industry stepping up once again to support our Eastern Kentucky families affected by the devastating flooding,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release. “I know this will make a tremendous impact for our people and I am grateful for the continued support.”

Kentucky distillers also are sending tanker trucks and totes of fresh water to Eastern Kentucky, along with contributing thousands of dollars to organizations and relief funds involved in the cleanup and recovery, according to the release.

“We prayed that we’d never have to get this group together again in the face of disaster, but our friends, families and neighbors in Eastern Kentucky are braving through unspeakable tragedy and devastation,” Gregory said. “It’s our duty as a signature industry to help.

“We were so impressed and humbled by the outpouring of support for Western Kentucky, and we hope that Bourbon aficionados and bidders show the same unparalleled generosity for the thousands of Eastern Kentucky residents who desperately need our assistance.”