Bourbon for Good™: Honoring Pappy Van Winkle's Legacy
Pappy Van Winkle was methodical about more than just making bourbon. He was insistent on a rare level of quality control and just as insistent on doing things the right way. This element of sharing Pappy’s legacy is equally important to us as continuing to share the heritage of his namesake bourbon, so much so that it is built into the foundation of Pappy & Company’s mission.
Just as we built Pappy & Company on his original promise, we also drew inspiration for our philanthropic mission from his steadfast commitment to doing things right.
As fourth-generation Van Winkles, we are acutely aware of the importance of our heritage, just as we know how challenging it can be to get your hands on a bottle of “the good stuff.” In fact, the number one question we are asked is, "Can you get me a bottle? " While we wish we could honor every request, as most people know, it just isn’t realistic.
It’s not simply a case of holding back the good stuff; it is, quite frankly, a matter of time. That bottle of bourbon you want to enjoy today - well, it is currently aging in a rickhouse - for upwards of 23 years. That just isn’t what most people want to hear.
While we certainly understand and, at the very least, appreciate the interest, it has created a somewhat strange sense of mystification and demand that, contrary to popular belief, isn’t intentional.
What is intentional is the desire to maintain Pappy's promise that our grandfather continued and that our dad upholds today. Steadfast quality, intentional design, and small-batch craftsmanship are the underlying principles, that along with the continuation of doing things the right way, we are committed to.
Yet it inspired a conversation that took place as we were working to finalize our mission and values, leading us to the idea of Bourbon for Good™. Was there a way to convert the passion for acquiring a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle into a meaningful way of supporting our communities? Thankfully, we discovered that the answer was a resounding yes.
To honor the Van Winkle family legacy with quality heritage-driven products
that delight and excite our customers.
We will grow in a sustained way, staying true to who we are,
supporting our employees and partners, and positively impacting our community.
Our desire to give back and impact our communities was integral to our mission statement. Yet, we knew we could expand upon our philanthropic goals by utilizing this overall desire—and thus, the idea that “every bottle gives back” became the initial promise of our Bourbon for Good™ mission.
The initial phase was a Sweepstakes, introduced as our first annual Bourbon for Good™ Sweepstakes, held in 2021, with a bottle offered from our family’s personal collection as the prize. The price of entry was a purchase of our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Pure Maple Syrup, and we selected a local non-profit to receive a portion of the Sweepstakes sales.
Since then, we have slowly grown our Sweepstakes to be held quarterly and have been able to support a variety of non-profit organizations. One lucky winner receives a highly coveted bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and through the hype, we can highlight the powerful work of a dedicated non-profit. Now, that is what we call a win-win.
We started with local organizations in our hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where Pappy & Company is headquartered. We’ve since expanded our reach while strategically aligning our philanthropic mission with our family’s charitable goals.
We select organizations that are meaningful to us, especially those providing services to children, healthcare for women, mental health services, and veterans support. We’ve also been able to pivot our resources and react in real-time to natural disasters, worldwide humanitarian issues, and some of our community's most pressing needs.
Over the coming years, we plan to continue to offer Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon bottles from our personal collection in the Bourbon for Good™ Sweepstakes to support a chosen non-profit that represents our values. We will also expand our philanthropic endeavors and develop a larger plan that incorporates the Bourbon for Good™ mission along with our broader commitments.
Learn more about our Bourbon for Good™ Mission that honors the legacy of Pappy Van Winkle.
Bourbon for Good™: Honors the Spirit of Giving Tuesday
Bourbon for Good™ Supports Hop on a Cure
Bourbon for Good: our Commitment to Giving Back
Pappy & Company: Our Mission and Values
