Gary’s Blog

Stocking the Whiskey Bar . . . in 2026

Ok folks – third time is the charm! Richard wrote a great piece on this topic back in 2011, and I refreshed it in 2019 given a lot of changes in the whisk(e)y landscape that had taken place. It can be an interesting trip down memory lane to compare these three – or a bit depressing on the price changes over 15 years. Regardless, hope this 3rd installment is helpful!

So more friends and family seem to be either asking for whiskey when they visit, or at least more are aware of it.  If you’re the type of person who really only keeps one bottle around, and folks will like that or have water, this article probably won’t interest you.  Note we’re not judging on this – everyone is different (although – you may have noticed this is a whiskey blog, so let’s assume you’ve got a bottle or two of whiskey at home and are looking to take it to the next level).

One clarification – we’re talking about stocking a whiskey bar – NOT a whiskey collection (which is completely different).

“How many bottles should I plan on getting for a base stock in my home whiskey bar?”

It depends. If you’re just looking for bourbon or scotch then probably three well chosen bottles will get you started. If you want a nice cross section of multiple styles then I would say five to eight. It really is up to you. However, I will caution you that once you get north of 10 bottles and start heading towards 20 you starting getting into collection territory. Again, there’s nothing wrong with that but it’s a slippery slope.

“How much should I plan to spend?”

Not as little as you could have spent 15 years ago, but I suppose that can be said about most things.  But you can set a budget and not break the bank.  Or, you can go top shelf across the board and spend what used to buy a quality used car.  I’ll try to give you a few examples at various prices for each category. That way you can decide how much you want to spend based on personal preference and financial situation. Please note that the prices listed are for a standard U.S. 750ml bottle.

“Where do I begin?”

With scotch and bourbon a good framework would be to get a mixer, a classic, and a gem.

Mixer:  What I’m really referring to here is a table whiskey (not “bottom shelf” stuff you mix because that’s the only way you enjoy it). You should use the same rule of thumb for mixed drinks and cocktails as you do for cooking with wine. That means that even your table whiskey should be something you wouldn’t mind drinking by itself. There are plenty of inexpensive and tasty whiskeys out there so you shouldn’t have to buy rot gut just to use as a mixer. Here are some examples.

Scotch – Johnnie Walker Black (& Double Black), Chivas Regal 12 Year Old, Glenlivet 12 Year Old, and Glenmorangie Original can all be found in the mid $40s to $50s.

Bourbon – Wild Turkey 101, Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, Elijah Craig Small Batch and Old Grand Dad Bottled In Bond can all (usually) be found for $25-$35 (although Buffalo Trace might not be as readily available). A value buy that I would also consider is Evan Williams Bottled in Bond (which is < $20 – although honestly I buy the 1.75L bottle for around $27 which may be the best value in bourbon out there today).

Classic: This should be something that typifies the category. That “used to be $1,000 a bottle but is now pushing $3,000 a bottle” of Macallan 30 Year Old may taste like heaven but when I say classic I’m thinking of a reasonably priced bottle that is pleasant and displays many of the standard characteristics of scotch or bourbon.  Again, here are a few examples in two different price buckets.

Scotch for $75 or less – Highland Park 12 Year Old ($60), Compass Box Artist’s or Glasgow blend ($45-$50), Bowmore 12 Year Old ($70), and Glendronach 12 Year Old ($73).

Scotch for $75 to $100 – Talisker 10 Year Old ($80), Balvenie 12 Yr Double Wood ($80), and Macallan 12 Year Old ($100)

Bourbon from mid $30s to up to $50 – Knob Creek ($40), Old Grand Dad 114 ($33), and Four Roses Single Barrel ($48)

Bourbon up to $70 – Knob Creek Single Barrel 120 proof ($66), Wild Turkey Rare Breed ($55), and Baker’s ($60)

Gem:  This is where you can stay reserved, or get really crazy.  Up until now you’ve probably dropped between $160 to $250 on four bottles of whiskey (2 bourbon, 2 scotch). The notion behind these bottles is to have something exceptional. Think of it as a special whiskey or two. You can lay these on your snobby or aficionado friends to get the approving nod or you can use them to show someone how something really good tastes. Alternatively, you can think of these bottles as a little more aggressive or obscure in taste. If Glenfiddich is your middle of the road then maybe one of these bottles can be a super peaty Laphroaig. You can drop $70 on one of these or several hundred. It’s up to you. Below are a few suggestions but let your interests guide your decisions.

Scotch – Laphroaig Cask Strength ($100), Lagavulin 16 Year Old ($95 – special shout out for being the ONLY whisk(e)y bottle that is the same price today as it was in 2019 – bravo!), Glenlivet 18 Year Old ($175), Glenfiddich 18 Year Old ($180), Compass Box Flaming Heart ($160)*, Highland Park 18 Year Old ($180), Balvenie 21 Year Old Port Wood ($360), Dewar’s 25 Year Signature ($155), and Macallan 18 Year Old ($420)

* This is a limited edition which I’ve intentionally avoided to this point, but unlike with bourbon – these tend to be available longer on the shelves.  I was picking up the 2012 release of Flaming Heart in 2015 (when the next one came around), and for the money – these are exceptional bottles when you see one.

Bourbon – Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit ($65), Elijah Craig Barrel Proof ($75), Blanton’s ($85)**, Rock Hill Farms ($90)**, Booker’s ($90), and Four Roses Single Barrel Selections (non-OBSV recipes, $100)

** These used to be widely available, and I know – the point of this refresh was because Richard’s post initially included things like George T. Stagg when you could get one for $75 at the store! So I’m asterisking them to acknowledge that, but they’re not in the same ‘never see in the store’ breadth as BTAC or Pappy.

Now you may have noticed that I’ve listed both blends and single malts for scotch under each category. This is intentional. Both are very tasty and should be considered equally. I really think that you should consider getting at least one blend and at least one single malt. One is not inferior to the other regardless of what you hear from scotch snobs.

Others
Scotch and bourbon are great but there’s a wider and ever expanding world of whiskey out there waiting to be sampled. Personally, I would recommend a good rye that you can drink and mix as a staple. Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond ($28) or Bulleit Rye ($34) are great examples. If you’ve only ever used bourbon in your cocktails then get ready for a treat. A good rye cocktail is hard to beat.

I also think you should have a bottle of something a little different. It will allow you and your guests to expand your whiskey horizons and give you something interesting to compare and contrast. A nice bottle of Hibiki Japanese Harmony ($100), Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Pot Still Whiskey ($75), or Amrut Fusion Indian Whisky ($100) would all be nice additions.

“What about other spirits to have on hand?”

Believe it or not, I don’t only drink whiskey. I often enjoy other fine brown spirits. Around the holidays I especially enjoy a nice brandy or cognac after a big meal. Pierre Ferrand Ambre Cognac ($46) or Reve Bleu XO Cognac ($60) are both nice examples.

If a nice aged rum is more your speed then maybe a bottle of Cruzan Single Barrel ($30), Appleton Estate Extra 12 Year Old Rum ($44), or Bacardi Reserva Limitada Rum Anejo ($120) would give you something nice to sip with guests (and unlike the whiskey, the prices haven’t gone crazy in the last 8 years!).

“Is there anything else I need?”

It’s probably a good idea to have a few other basic ingredients on hand for cocktails. Below is a suggested list but you can add or subtract as you see fit. Remember, this list is focused on whiskey cocktails. If you’re doing a White Russian or a Sex on the Beach then that’s something entirely different.

  • Simple Syrup (make your own)
  • Sodas (Coca-cola, diet cola, ginger ale, club soda, tonic water, etc.)
  • Bitters (Angostura, Peychaud’s, etc.)
  • Fruit – Juice and whole fruit (Lemons, oranges, maraschino cherries, etc.)
  • Vermouth – Sweet and Dry
  • Liqueurs

I would recommend that you actually look at the kind of cocktails you plan to make and back into a list of additional ingredients instead of blinding buying stuff that the guy on the internet said you had to have. Having a huge selection of cocktail accouterments looks cool but if you never use it then it’s a waste.

Of course, glasses are a must (although whether dedicated glassware is in order is entirely up to you).  We share a run down on basic glassware here (and if you’re only stocking one – I’d go with your basic rocks glasses).

“Wait a minute. What about vodka and tequila?”

Like your mom said about little Scotty Powell down the street…”You don’t need friends like that.” In all seriousness, we were talking about stocking a nice selection of whiskeys. I could go on and on with my belligerent opinions of the vodka and tequila culture that’s exploded in the last 15 to 20 years but that’s not the point of this article. Look, if you need to have vodka and tequila, and a good host probably should, then you don’t need to fret over the bottles as much as you might think. Probably about 99% of vodka and tequila consumption in the U.S. occurs with some type of mixer. As long as you’re not buying the stuff off the bottom shelf in the plastic jugs you’ll probably be okay with the majority of brands when making a vodka tonic, vodka and cranberry, or margarita. Personally, I buy Kirkland Signature brand vodka and anejo tequila at Costco. Both are very good quality and ridiculously well priced. If you’re worried that your snobby friends will scoff because you have Costco brand or Stolichnaya vodka instead of Grey Goose or Ciroc then pick up a nice decanter to keep it in. It will class up your bar a little and then if they ask what it is you can tell them whatever the hell you want.;)

If you’re in a quandary the next time you go to the liquor store to stock up then I hope this helps. As always, these are merely my opinions on the subject. Let your taste and wallet be your guide. If you have any questions or need additional suggestions please send me an email. Enjoy the holidays and share some good whiskey with good company.

Drink wisely my friends,

Richard
(updated by Gary)

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Bib & Tucker Gold Roast Provisions Parcel

Bib & Tucker Gold Roast Provisions Parcel

$85
Website
Bib & Tucker Gold Roast Bourbon Provisions Parcel
We would like to thank Bib & Tucker and CREATE ENTERTAINMENT for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

At the crossroads of heritage and innovation comes a new signature expression from Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon: Gold Roast, a 6-Year Tennessee Whiskey artfully finished with whole roasted Arabica coffee beans using a refined cold extraction method. Gold Roast Bourbon is a celebration of two time-honored American traditions. Inspired by the turn of the century, when bourbon and coffee were rituals of connection, comfort, and craft, this release reimagines those traditions for the modern drinker.

Kit includes:

  • Bottle of Bib & Tucker Gold Roast Bourbon
  • Custom Gold Roast Blend Coffee from Muletown Coffee Roasters
  • Bib & Tucker Leather Coasters
  • Premium Glassware

What Gary Says

I reviewed Bib & Tucker Gold Roast Bourbon just a few months back, and really enjoyed it.  Many producers start putting together gift box sets just in time for the holidays – and I receive offers to try them and share reviews. The vast majority of the time I pass – not because I think they’re not good products, but often the boxes are simply the whiskey – and some branded glassware; maybe a gimmick or two. They sell the idea of generosity without delivering much real value.

Not this one.

The Bib & Tucker Gold Roast Provisions Parcel surprised me—in the best way.

What’s Inside the Box
  • A bottle of Gold Roast Bourbon – six-year Tennessee small-batch, finished with cold-extracted Arabica coffee beans
  • A bag of the same roasted coffee used to finish the bourbon (THIS was my main curiosity!)
  • Two heavy crystal tumblers (my parcel had Nachtmann Noblesse glasses, 13.6 oz—solid in the hand)
  • Leather coasters to support those hefty tumblers
  • Nicely presented gift box with honeycomb flex paper wrapping the bottle (great protection, and a nice visual touch)

Bib & Tucker Gold Roast Provisions Parcel

Why This Is Worth It
  • The bourbon: This isn’t a gimmick-finish. The coffee integration is real. Check out my review on it, but it’s solid (and in fact the more I sipped it, the more I liked it).
  • The coffee: This was a huge component for me. Imagine a tasting experience where a whiskey is finished in some cask (sherry, wine, etc), and you could get a gift box with a small taste of THAT product!  I would be all over that! This adds a layer of storytelling to the whole experience, and invites you to brew, sit down, sip, compare, and most of all – enjoy.  And how is it?  Really nice, and can see why it was selected – medium roast with notes of vanilla and cocoa; complements the bourbon quite well (which I knew from the whiskey itself)!

Custom Gold Roast Blend Coffee from Muletown Coffee Roasters

  • The packaging: Strong. The bottle’s honeycomb wrap adds texture and substance—way more thoughtful than the usual molded foam, bubble wrap, or heaven forbid packing peanuts.

The Bib & Tucker Gold Roast Bourbon Provisions Parcel

  • The barware: Let’s talk about that glass. Whether neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, I love the way this tumbler feels in my hand. There’s real presence here. You know when you’re holding it, and it looks distinguished.

Nachtmann Noblesse Whisky Tumblers

  • The extras: Leather coasters are a classy touch.

I made the Gold Roast Old Fashioned from Bib & Tucker’s recipe here and it worked beautifully. That coffee edge plays well with bitters and a twist. Stirred it up, dropped in a couple of rocks, and let that glass do its thing. Heavy in the hand, light on the lip. Everything I want in an end-of-day pour (and yes, if it looks like the fill line is high – I made a double; don’t judge me).

Gold Roast Old Fashioned

Final Word

In a crowded field of bourbon gift sets, this one doesn’t just pass muster—it stands out. The whiskey is legit. The coffee is just plain fun to experience that connection. The packaging is intentional – including being stylish and functional. The accessories are high quality. It doesn’t scream for attention; it just shows up ready to impress – and it did that!

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

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Woodinville: 24 Month Open-Air Seasons, Heavy Toast Light Char

24 Month Open-Air Seasoned, Heavy Toast Light Char
Could it be the best bourbon barrel ever?

 

Over a decade ago Woodinville founders Brett Carlile and Orlin Sorensen set out to establish, once and for all, what kind of barrel would make the best bourbon in the world.

This would not be a quick or typical process. Methods? Everything on the table. Industry norms? Goodbye. Budget? None. Woodinville was still a young distillery then but Brett and Orlin saw this quest as an investment. Since it’s generally accepted that over 70% of the flavor and character of a bourbon comes from its barrel, it seemed to them they’d need the best barrel in the world if they wanted to make the best bourbon in the world.

Woodinville’s partners at Independent Stave Company, the foremost barrel cooper in America, were game. Let’s run a test, they suggested, and see what happens. ISC presented eight different barrel types:

  • #1 Char Standard Kiln-Dried
  • #2 Char Standard Kiln-Dried
  • #3 Char Standard Kiln-Dried
  • #4 Char Standard Kiln-Dried
  • #3 Char 18-Month Open-Air Seasoned
  • #5 Char 18-Month Open-Air Seasoned
  • Heavy Toast/Light Char 24-Month Open-Air Seasoned
  • Thin-Stave Barrel

Whiskey industry standard is a kiln-dried barrel at #3 or #4 char. Chars #1 and #2 are rarely used in bourbon, and because of the extra time it takes, “open-air seasoning” costs way more than a kiln-dried barrel. Extra time is on-brand for Woodinville, a distillery that refused to sell its flagship bourbon until it was a minimum of five years old, so this open-air method seemed promising. It involves exposing the staves (the planks used to build a barrel) to rain, sun, wind, everything the elements can throw at them. This process promotes a deterioration of the wood polymers, creating smaller molecules that can be more efficiently transformed during charring and toasting. (Non-scientific translation: It basically gives you more of the “good stuff”.)

After ISC’s coopers turn those seasoned staves into a barrel, the careful art of toasting and charring begins. Toasting is the process of setting the barrel cylinder over a fire for 30 to 45 minutes without the fire ever actually touching the wood. During toasting, the inside of the barrel is heated, which caramelizes the natural sugars and creates a “red layer” in the wood. When you take a sip of whiskey and detect notes of vanilla, caramel, and toffee, what you’re tasting is the result of the toasting process.

Charring, on the other, is done by lighting the inside of the barrel on fire for 20 to 60 seconds. This creates a layer of char on the surface of the wood, which acts as a filter for the young whiskey, as well as adding color and notes of dried fruit, oak, and spice.

Brett and Orlin filled the eight test barrels with new-make whiskey and waited. And waited. And waited. Four-and-a-half-years later, the whiskies were ready for analysis by gas chromatograph at ISC. The heavily toasted, lightly charred barrel made from 24-month open-air seasoned staves was found to have significantly higher amounts of whiskey’s favorite core compounds: furfural (sweetness, almond, baked bread), vanillin (vanilla, creaminess), and phenols, namely guaiacol (smoky, spicy) and 4-methyl guaiacol (sweet, candy, clove, leather). But they couldn’t declare their mission complete just yet.

Brett and Orlin noted the whiskey from this barrel had a slight “graininess,” attributed to its light char. (Think of the carbon filter in your fridge’s water dispenser.) They decided if the barrel could be aged a little longer, that grain character would soften and transform into desirable flavor compounds. A little longer meant four more years. For all those who aren’t tracking the math, that’s two years of stave aging, four and a half years of initial aging, and four additional years in the barrel. 2 + 4½ + 4 = 10½ years of work, patience, and hope represented in this liquid, one of the most balanced, complex, refined bourbons you will ever taste.

An 8 Year version of this bourbon with its unique mashbill of 55% corn, 35% rye, and 10% malted barley was released in 2024. In 2025, Brett and Orlin will release the next limited release Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 9 years. In 2026, a 10 Year age statement will be released, offering whiskey collectors a unique opportunity to acquire all three editions.

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Blind Barrels – Sample Kit Review

Blind Barrels

Price:  See Website for current
As of 10/20/2024
Single box (4 samples): $85 including shipping
Quarterly Subscription (1 box, 4 samples): $59.99 each quarter
Annual Subscription (4 quarterly boxes, 16 samples total): $199.99
Promotions and specials may affect pricing

Blind Barrels
We would like to thank Blind Barrels for sending us a sample kit to review.

What Blind Barrels Says*

* as of 10/20/2024

American Craft Whiskey Club
If you enjoy trying new kinds of whiskey, consider a craft whiskey club subscription from Blind Barrels. We pick top-shelf whiskeys for our members at a discounted price. Our full bottles are a great addition to your whiskey cabinet that you can enjoy yourself or share with a friend. Our American craft whiskey club subscription is also a great gift to give to a friend who loves whiskey. Read on to learn more about our whiskey club.

Our Subscription Process

With each shipment from Blind Barrels, you will get four samples of whiskey bottles. Your first box will ship immediately after you place the order; then, you will get one delivery every quarter (every three months). We look forward to helping you find new whiskey to try.

Other Blind Barrels Products and Services

If you are interested in Blind Barrels merch like hats, drinking glasses, or t-shirts, visit our merch page to purchase these items and wear them with pride. We also offer masterclasses for you to learn more about tasting whiskey, whiskey history, and whiskey recipes.

For more information on joining the craft whiskey club from Blind Barrels, visit our FAQ page. We look forward to helping you discover new whiskey.

How It Works
PICK A SUBSCRIPTION: Sign up yourself or a fellow whiskey lover to the most exclusive top-shelf whiskey club.
SET DELIVERY LOCATION: Curated samples are shipped right to your door every quarter.
ENJOY YOUR NEW DISCOVERIES: Fall in love with a new brand and order member-discounted full bottles to add to your whiskey cabinet.

What Gary Says

Full disclosure – folks who have read our blog are probably aware that I’m not a big fan of most ‘craft whiskey’. While there have been some exceptions, I often find the product just doesn’t compare favorably with similar products from the major distilleries (and is priced super premium). I get the cost advantages that the big companies have, but as a consumer – don’t feel responsible for having to pay the difference. The exception to this is if you can offer me something unique, different, or innovative. So the notion of a tasting kit that focuses on craft whiskey – let’s say I went in with fairly low expectations. Note that

Let’s start with the kit itself. The packaging is solid and well done. Opening the box you’re greeted with a card that details the particular release. The sample I was sent was the June 2024 release, noting to celebrate Father’s day they featured whiskey made by both father-son and father-daughter teams (nice touch). Also noted that a portion of the proceeds from each June box is being donated to Forgotten Not Gone, which I appreciate it.

Blind Barrels Tasting Kit

Removing the card you find the four samples, packed securely in foam and labeled A, B, C and D. Really nice presentation. The back of the card also includes ‘The Tasting Table’ which is a list of notes that one might get with whiskey, starting at a high level and gradually refining. The card also includes instructions to go through the samples once before revealing what they are using the QR code. Appreciate the table, as I’m not ashamed to admit that I have similar tools I like to use when tasting a spirit to try to job the brain as to what aroma or flavor I’m detecting.

Blind Barrels Tasting Kit

The samples themselves are 50 ml, and to follow the required regulations they include a government warning and state in fine print on the back where they were distilled (just the state, not the distillery) as well as the ABV. Appreciate that they keep this small and not draw attention to it; I note it here only so that if you’re wanting to know the least amount of information – you know NOT to look at the back until you’re ready to reveal more details.

Blind Barrels Sample Bottle Back

A 50 mL sample is plenty for someone to do several passes by for nosing tasting. If you’re buying the kit to share, you probably are looking at either only sharing with one other person (if you want to do two small passes), or maybe 3-4 if you only do one pass. Appreciate that the samples were organized from the lowest proof to the highest proof. Any experienced whiskey taster would set it up this way to avoid palate fatigue or burnout from the high proof drams.

I poured maybe 10-12 mL of each into a Glencairn and let them sit for just a few minutes before making my first pass. Just on the nose the four samples were all very different, which is good. While some may enjoy a really narrow tasting (like four bourbons all from the same distillery and mashbill, but at different ages/proofs/rick house aging locations), it can be challenging for those who don’t really geek out on those details. These were all quite different.

I didn’t do very well at guessing what they were. Below is a brief description of my impressions of each, followed by what they are. If you want to read all of the details (or watch the video they share for the tasting), the URL from the QR code is https://blindbarrels.com/pages/0624.

Sample A
Nose was very rye-like, herbal with mint, bit of citrus, cedar – but a little funky; intriguing! The palate had a creamy mouthfeel, with mint, lemon, caramel and a hint of cinnamon.
I guessed this was a rye whiskey with a lot of barley in the mashbill (like 70% rye, 10% corn and 20% barley). Of the four samples, this is the one I enjoyed the most, as it was very intriguing but also quite enjoyable to sip.
[Sample A: Axe Hole Single Malt Whiskey]

Sample B
Nose was very unique, funky with oak and carpet. On the palate, I got herbal notes of cloves and anise, and thought as strange as this was it must be a craft single malt. This was my least favorite of the samples as it was just odd and not in my wheelhouse.
[Sample B: UNBendt Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond]

Sample C
Nose definitely was telegraphing a wine influence, between sherry or marsala, with notes of maple syrup behind the fruit. ON the palate it was malty, with maple, chocolate and a bit of pepper and tarragon. I was at a loss for the type of spirit, as it made me think more of a scotch with different wood management than anything else.
[Sample C: Old Monongahela Full Proof Rye Whiskey]

Sample D
Nose was richer than the others, with caramel and some chocolate, as well as a grassy note. On the palate it was thick and rich with vanilla, caramel, chocolate and nutty notes. This was the highest proof dram and it stood out (61% ABV), with a bit of a burn. I did peg this as a bourbon, and thought maybe a wheater. This was a close 2nd to Sample A as my favorite, although if I was just looking for one to kick back and enjoy I’d go for this.
[Sample D: Doc Holliday 10 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey]

While not especially a fan of most craft whiskey, and wasn’t particularly fond of a couple of these samples – I absolutely enjoyed the tasting experience! It was fun to try to guess what they were without having any details (while the proof was listed, after I noticed it on the first I didn’t look at the backs of the others until I was done). If you are a fan of craft whiskey, or are starting out on your whiskey journey and trying to figure out what you like and what you don’t – this is a fun way to learn about some different whiskies. This would make a fun whiskey experience gift for someone as well – or for a couple (or couple of friends). This is definitely geared more for the younger (legal drinking age or higher) generation. My dad would enjoy the blind tasting, but lacking a smartphone and having no idea what a QR code is – would have been left out. I like how the site has the samples in envelopes. One recommendation I’d offer is to include the ‘reveal’ in the kit itself but in an envelope with a warning to NOT open; for those few consumers who may not be technologically savvy (although this very likely isn’t in their target demographic).

Cheers!

Gary

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Yellowstone Bourbon Launches Once-in-a-Lifetime Getaway Contest

Yellowstone Bourbon Launches Once-in-a-Lifetime Getaway Contest

Iconic bourbon brand shares its connection to America’s first national park with consumers through new adventure experience opportunity

Yellowstone Bourbon Launches Once-in-a-Lifetime Getaway Contest
ST. LOUIS (April 8, 2024) – Yellowstone Bourbon announced a contest for consumers to win an all-inclusive trip to Yellowstone National Park in 2024. Consumers can enter the Yellowstone National Park Getaway Contest now through July 15 by submitting a photo and a writeup about their love for the great outdoors – a hiking story, poem or another kind of written expression.

The three lucky winners and their plus-one will experience the ultimate national park adventure September 5-8, 2024, including hiking, horseback riding, sightseeing, curated meals, private accommodations and round-trip airfare. In addition, four social media influencers will join the winners for this trip of a lifetime:
• Dean Unglert, reality TV star and outdoor explorer
• Adam Glick, celebrity chef and adventurer
• Holly Johnson, travel and outdoor content creator
• Patrick Duke, adventure photographer and filmmaker

“For more than 150 years, Yellowstone Bourbon has shared a bond with the majestic Yellowstone National Park,” said Kelly Panzitta, Yellowstone Bourbon brand manager. “This contest gives people the opportunity to experience that connection firsthand and win a one-of-a-kind adventure. It’s part of our commitment to always keep the park within reach.”

Since 2018, Yellowstone Bourbon has donated nearly $500,000 to National Parks Conservation Association to preserve national parks. In 2023, Yellowstone became one of NPCA’s largest annual corporate donors at the $250,000 level.

Yellowstone Bourbon partnered with World Playground to plan the contest itinerary and Under Canvas for the winners’ and influencers’ private accommodations in West Yellowstone. For more information about the contest including official rules, please visit Yellowstone National Park Getaway Contest or YellowstoneBourbon.com. For updates about the contest, follow Yellowstone Bourbon on Facebook and Instagram.

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