How Two Distilleries Give Back to Charity

Some American distilleries are finding creative ways to pour back into their communities. Whether through coveted bourbon sets or grassroots partnerships, these producers are raising funds and spirits well beyond their tasting rooms.

Buffalo Trace, in Frankfort, Kentucky, has long donated special bottles to nonprofits for fundraisers, and in 2024 launched the “100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities” initiative. Each year, the distillery invites organizations nationwide to apply for one of 100 curated sets, ranging from two to six bottles. Nonprofits have used rare lineups such as Weller’s Special Reserve through Full Proof, E.H. Taylor’s Single Barrel and Barrel Proof, and Blanton’s Gold and Straight from the Barrel to raise thousands of dollars at fundraisers. Applications open for 100 days, and selected charities keep every dollar they raise.

Over the past two years, Buffalo Trace’s parent company, Sazerac, has donated more than $10.4 million to community causes, from cancer care to animal welfare.

In Pittsburgh, Wigle Whiskey has woven philanthropy into its identity, supporting more than 300 civic and nonprofit organizations. The distillery has backed causes as varied as the American Cancer Society, Girls Rock!, the Carnegie Library, and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Wigle frames its mission not only as crafting award-winning spirits but as being, in its words, “an economically vital and compassionate part of our community.”

Proof Magazine is for Ohio spirit lovers and is produced by Great Lakes Studios. Don’t miss an issue by subscribing to Ohio Magazine. View a digital version of the Proof Magazine Holiday 2025 edition here.