Bourbon Crusaders is a small but impactful group of bourbon fans from around the country. It’s a non-profit charitable group formed in 2015 to celebrate America’s Native Spirit – Bourbon. Each year, the Crusaders gather for an event that typically includes a variety of bourbon pours and cocktails, dinner and a silent and live auction. To date, the auctions have raised more than $7 million for Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, ALS Association, American Cancer Society and other organizations. This year’s beneficiary of the funds raised will go to Southern Foodways Alliance (SFA).
Welcome to the Home of Bill Samuels, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark Distillery
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024. The event usually takes place at a common event space. For 2024, there is nothing common about the location. The 2024 Bourbon Crusaders “Make Your Mark” event will take place at the home of legendary Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famer and Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark Distillery Bill Samuels, Jr. This rare opportunity invites bourbon enthusiasts into the private residence of one of bourbon’s most iconic figures for an evening celebrating both bourbon and philanthropy.
In addition to the usual dinner and fund raiser the group has raised the bar with an event the night before on Friday, November 8 that will take place at Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky.
The “Make Your Mark” event promises to unite some of the biggest names in the bourbon world, including Brent Elliott from Four Roses, Andrea Wilson from Michter’s, Drew Kulsveen from Willett, and many more. These bourbon legends will co-host this one-of-a-kind experience, bringing their expertise and passion to this historic evening. Attendees will have the rare chance to engage with these industry giants while savoring curated tastings, and participating in an auction that will include the first-ever Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged barrel select —a truly unprecedented offering.
Maker’s Mark Distillery Chairman Emeritus Bill Samuels, Jr., Willett Distillery Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen, Woodford Reserve Distillery Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris, Maker’s Mark Distillery Managing Director Rob Samuels, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Founder Corky Taylor, Four Roses Distillery Master Distiller Brent Elliot, Rabbit Hole Distillery Founder Kaveh Zamanian, James B. Beam Distilling Co. Master Distiller Fred Noe, Michter’s Distillery CEO & Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson
In addition to the auction of this exceptional bottle, guests will enjoy a chef-curated dinner from James Beard Foundation two-time semifinalist Todd Richards and exclusive cocktails crafted by master bartender Jerry Slater. The evening will feature both silent and live auctions, with all proceeds supporting the Southern Foodways Alliance, a nonprofit that documents and celebrates the diverse food cultures of the American South.
“This event is unlike any other,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation whisky maker and Managing Director of Maker’s Mark. “We’re not only opening up our family home but also bringing together the most respected names in bourbon for a night dedicated to supporting an organization that preserves the rich cultural heritage of the South.”
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The exclusivity of the event doesn’t stop with the auction. Guests will be treated to private tastings, including a revived private selection from Maker’s Mark, hand selected by the Bourbon Crusaders, specially bottled for the event. Premium ticket holders will also gain access to a VIP progressive dinner at Maker’s Mark Distillery the evening before, complete with a bespoke tasting experience in a setting rarely seen by the public.
“The opportunity to host an event of this caliber, with such legendary figures, while supporting a cause as vital as the Southern Foodways Alliance, is truly extraordinary,” said RJ Sargent, President of The Bourbon Crusaders. “This will be a historic evening for the bourbon community and for philanthropy.”
Tickets On Sale Now (They Are Going Fast)
Tickets are now available at Make Your Mark, offering multiple levels of access beginning at $500. Classic tickets provide entry to the November 9th event, while Premium VIP tickets include exclusive access to the November 8th VIP dinner at the Maker’s Mark Distillery, along with rare bourbon bottles and preferred seating.
Working Together We Can Cultivate Progress
The Southern Foodways Alliance (SFA), based at the University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture, is dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who grow, make, and serve Southern food. Through documenting, studying, and exploring the diverse food ways of the American South, SFA tells stories that inspire others to embrace and share their own part of the Southern food narrative. The SFA archive includes nearly 1,000 oral history interviews, over 150 films, and numerous issues and episodes of Gravy quarterly magazine and podcast. You can see a few samples below.
These stories highlight the richness and diversity of Southern culture, from Gulf Coast fishers to Virginia brewers, and from tortilla makers in Kentucky to New Orleans bartenders. By donating to SFA, supporters invest in expanding the Southern food conversation for future generations.
The Bourbon Crusaders are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization leveraging their love of bourbon to support communities across Kentucky. Since 2016, they have donated nearly $7 million through their signature charity events.
Rice & Grits: A Vietnamese American Culinary Odyssey In the American South
Rice and Grits is a short film by Hieu Huynh that connects her and her mother’s journey from Vietnam to the American South through their connection with rice and grits. Huynh’s film was nominated for three Taste Awards and won for Best Mini Food Documentary.
Chef Ouita Michel – Midway Bakers, Midway, Kentucky
Ouita Michel is the owner of Midway Baking, in Midway, KY 2023. Part of an oral history project documenting Kentucky Bakers. Interview by Rosie Moosnick. Photographs by Sarah Jane Webb. Visit southernfoodways.org for more.
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