An online bourbon auction raised approximately $3.4 million to help Western Kentucky communities ravaged by recent tornadoes.
Combined with more than $1 million in donations from several distillers, the Kentucky Bourbon Benefit had generated nearly $5 million as of Wednesday, according to a press release from the Kentucky Distiller’s Association.
“The outpouring of support, care and love for Western Kentuckians is truly unparalleled in the history of bourbon. We are forever grateful for the generosity of distillers, donors and bidders,” KDA President Eric Gregory said in the release.
Both of Christian County’s distilleries — Casey Jones and MB Roland — donated auction items.
MB Roland provided a day at the distillery for four friends to participate in mashing, distilling and bottling spirits. Each of the four participants will take home six bottles. The winning bid was $5,410.
Casey Jones offered a barrel of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for its first ever Barrel Pick Experience. The winning bid was $11,000.
Although the auction has ended, the benefit is still accepting online donations.
All of the proceeds will go to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, a state-operated fund that does not assess fees on donations.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
