FRANKFORT, KY (May 22, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery, in partnership with BlockBar, today announces the launch of the “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser – an exclusive online benefit event featuring some of the Distillery’s most sought-after bourbons, collectible items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences donated by Sazerac and various esteemed partners. The fundraiser is a direct response to support statewide storm relief efforts after Kentucky faced numerous spring storms, including a deadly tornado that hit Southern Kentucky on May 16 and severe storms that brought tornadoes and historic flooding to several communities across Kentucky in early April. Buffalo Trace Distillery, along with partners including the Van Winkle family, Chris and Morgane Stapleton, PGA and AGE International, has curated an exceptional lineup of offerings. To support the communities impacted by the recent storms, Sazerac and BlockBar will donate 100% of the total amount raised from the online charity fundraiser.
“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 neighbors in need,” said Jake Wenz, President & CEO, Sazerac & Buffalo Trace Distillery. “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 organizations have the vital resources they need to respond effectively.”
The “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser will go live on May 22, benefitting the American Red Cross and the Franklin County Flood Relief Fund held at the Blue Grass Community Foundation. Offerings available through the “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser include:
- Auction
- A Sazerac Barrel Select experience, including the opportunity to pick and purchase a barrel of Blanton’s Gold, plus a VIP tour and a one-night stay in Stagg Lodge.
- Ultra-aged individual bottlings, such as Weller Millennium, Eagle Rare 25 and O.F.C. Vintage 2005.
- Highly-coveted bourbon sets, such as a complete Pappy Van Winkle collection, Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, 2024 Prohibition Collection and an E.H. Taylor Jr. lineup.
- One (1) bottle of Double Eagle Very Rare, plus a hand-crafted coffee table created from a former Double Eagle Very Rare barrel by the Buffalo Trace Whiskey Woodcraft team.
- A variety of contributions from Chris & Morgane Stapleton’s “Outlaw State of Kind” charitable fund including an Epiphone Hummingbird Studio guitar, exclusive merchandise and a bottle of Traveller Whiskey – each personally autographed by Chris Stapleton.
- An all-expense paid trip for two (2) people to Fort Worth, TX for a behind-the-scenes visit of a 101 Studios set, the global entertainment company behind the hit show ‘Yellowstone’, featuring a filming of ‘Y: Marshals’ – the forthcoming ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff starring Luke Grimes.
- Sweepstakes
- Enter to win the opportunity to purchase one (1) bottle of O.F.C. Vintage 2006.
- Entrants will receive one entry for every $50 donation made through the registration site. There is no cap on the amount a person can donate.
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- Enter to win an exclusive PGA package including a PGA certificate for four (4) people to play a round of golf at the PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass and two Buffalo Trace Bettinardi golf putters.
- Entrants will receive one entry for every $50 donation made through the registration site. There is no cap on the amount a person can donate.
“We are grateful to Buffalo Trace for their support in times of disaster. Their 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,” said Nadine McCrindle, CEO of the Red Cross Kentucky Region.
The “Pour it Forward for Kentucky” Charity Fundraiser begins on Thursday, May 22 at 10am EST. To participate in the auction, please visit https://blockbar.com/producers/sazerac/pour-it-forward-for-kentucky-charity-auction. To participate in the sweepstakes, please visit https://blockbar.com/producers/sazerac/pour-it-forward-for-kentucky-charity-auction. There are no reserves, and bidding starts at $100 for each lot with every dollar raised going to support community relief efforts. All bids must be received by 10am EST on Thursday, June 5. The winning bidder for each lot will be notified via phone and email the week of June 9.
“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,” said Jane Higgins, Director of Community Advancement at Blue Grass Community Foundation. “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 — together, we are all making Frankfort Strong.”
