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Commentary

Between Drinks

Spirit brands lead efforts in hurricane relief

Regional, national donations support impacted communities

By Lauren Sabetta, Managing Editor
two men drinking together

Image by Charlotte Commercial Photographers/ courtesy of Oaklore Distilling Co.

December 2, 2024

Having lived in Western North Carolina for many years, I was greatly concerned after Hurricane Helene pummeled through the communities I know and love so well in late September. Fortunately, I was able to reach friends and family who told me they were okay. 

Thereafter, as I doomed-scrolled my way through the internet for details on just how bad some communities were hit, I started seeing news on how organizations and groups of people were coming together to assist in recovery — including those in the beverage industry. 

In October, Oaklore Distilling Co., Charlotte, N.C., announced it had raised $52,000 for survivors through its “Empty the Shelves for Carolina” fundraising efforts. The money has been donated to the Community Foundation of Henderson County to support their outstanding work in assisting the local community through the Foundation’s Rebuild Fund, the company stated in a press release.

From Oct. 11-20, Oaklore donated 100% of all bottle sales from the retail store inside its distillery and then doubled the final sales total by matching the proceeds. In total, nearly 350 bottles of Oaklore’s Bourbon, North Carolina Rye Whiskey, vodka, rum, and gin were sold during the 10 days to folks in the Charlotte area looking to support this worthy cause.

“We’re heartbroken for all the residents and small businesses that were affected by Hurricane Helene and we wanted to help in a meaningful way,” said Matt Simpkins, co-founder of Oaklore, in a statement. “As a North Carolina small business ourselves, all of our employees were determined to leverage any resources Oaklore had to make an immediate impact.”

Co-founder Tom Bogan, added: “We can’t thank the local community enough for their unbelievable outpouring of support. What was most heartwarming to us was how many people bought their first bottle of whiskey ever to be part of this fundraising effort. Nothing showed more clearly how dedicated folks in the Charlotte area are to helping those in need in Western North Carolina.”

Spirits available during the fundraiser included North Carolina Straight Rye Whiskey, Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey, Original Vodka, Original Gin, Original Rum, Bloody Butcher Corn Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Angel Barrel Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey.

Also in October, Sazerac Co., Louisville, Ky., announced an online auction of some of its most-prized and highly coveted spirits to raise funds for the American Red Cross’s relief efforts for Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The auction took place from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1. 

In partnership with BlockBar, a global marketplace offering access to some of the world’s most sought-after bottles, barrels, and casks, Sazerac auctioned a variety of individual bottles and collections from its top distilleries and brands, including Buffalo Trace Distillery, The Last Drop Distillers, Barton 1792 Distillery and A. Smith Bowman Distillery. 

no reserve auction
To encourage maximum engagement the Sazerac auction was run as a “no reserve” auction with the starting bid for each bottle or collection beginning at $100.  
Image courtesy of Sazerac Co.

As part of the auction, a combination of rare and highly coveted Sazerac products were available, including spirits sold individually as well as lineups of fan favorites sold as sets. To encourage maximum engagement from the worldwide spirits community, the auction ran as a “no reserve” auction with the starting bid for each bottle or collection beginning at $100, the company noted, in a press release.

“Our hearts go out to the families and communities affected by these devastating storms,” said Jake Wenz, president and CEO of Sazerac, in a statement. “Our goal is to help aid the Hurricanes Milton and Helene recovery efforts in cities and states most impacted by the storms. Every dollar raised will go directly to those in need. We thank the American Red Cross for everything they do.”

Dov Falic, CEO and co-founder of Blockbar, added: “We are honored to partner with Sazerac for this charity auction supporting the relief efforts for Hurricanes Milton and Helene. This represents a unique opportunity for our community to acquire exceptional bottles of some of the finest spirits from Sazerac’s esteemed distilleries and brands, while also providing an opportunity for our community to make a meaningful impact during a time of need. We invite all whiskey enthusiasts and collectors to join us in this effort and help support those affected by the hurricanes.”

KEYWORDS: donation luxury spirits spirits

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Sabetta lauren

Lauren Sabetta, managing editor for Beverage Industry, writes for the magazine’s print and online components. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication, Journalism from Appalachian State University.

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