A collective of prominent bourbon enthusiasts, led by Mike Hinds, announced their successful bid of $800,000 for a rare Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year single barrel. 

The barrel was part of a charity auction hosted by Sazerac; bidding for the barrel began at $10,000. The company said of the rare item, “The barrel was specially selected from the heart of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s aging warehouses. On average, a single barrel yields approximately 125 bottles of bourbon.”

This significant bid will be entirely donated to World Central Kitchen and Another Round Another Rally, two highly impactful charities supporting California wildfire relief efforts.

This monumental win not only secures an exceptionally sought-after barrel of bourbon but also exemplifies the profound generosity and philanthropic spirit within the bourbon community. When tragedy strikes, the bourbon community consistently rallies to raise substantial funds for those in need, and this group of individuals has a proven track record of contributing to millions of dollars for similar charitable causes.

“We are incredibly proud to have secured this barrel, knowing that every dollar goes directly to support the vital work of World Central Kitchen and Another Round in California,” Hinds said in a news release. “The bourbon community has always shown immense heart, and this is another testament to our collective commitment to making a positive impact when it’s needed most.”

The Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year single barrel is one of the most highly coveted and rare bourbons in the world, making this acquisition a significant event within the spirits industry. The group’s commitment to channeling the entire winning bid to charity underscores their dedication to humanitarian causes.

Read more: Sazerac to Host Fundraiser for California WildFire Relief

About the Collective of Bourbon Enthusiasts

Composed of dedicated connoisseurs and influential figures within the bourbon industry, this collective is committed to furthering the appreciation of fine spirits while actively engaging in philanthropic endeavors. With a history of raising millions for various causes, they stand as a testament to the bourbon community’s ability to unite for good. The members of this group include: Michael Hinds Shelby Meisler, Nicholas Handy, Casey Kostrzebski, Prav Saraff, Craig Limon, Wesley Silverstein, Alexander Ennis, Russell Lee Berman, Brent Markus, Edward Spivak, Jonathan Pratkanis, Mark Vogel, David Lee Peet, Jamie Marcus, Jonah Rudman, Michael Kutzen, and Michael Barbera.