By Richard Thomas
Bourbon enthusiasts are invited to experience an evening of exceptional pours, distinctive auction offerings
and spirited entertainment at Matthew 25 AIDS Services’ second annual BBQ, Bourbon & Burlesque, taking place Saturday, October 24, at Warehouse 410 in Evansville, Indiana.
The bourbon experience will be led by Caryn Wels, National Brand Ambassador for Green River Distiling Co., who will share the history, craftsmanship and character behind the historic Owensboro distilery and its award-winning portfolio. Guests wil also have opportunities to sample products from an impressive lineup of regional and national producers, including Heaven Hill Distillery, Hard Truth Distilling Co., Larrikin Bourbon Company, Old Dominick Distillery and Purple Toad Winery.
One of the evening’s highlights will be a silent auction featuring more than 30 bourbon-themed packages, including unique and sought-after bottles, tasting experiences, specialty products and other offerings curated for whiskey enthusiasts. One of those packages will be a complete collection of signed copies of the whiskey books authored by me, Richard Thomas. I will also be present to deliver a short talk from my latest work, Jack Daniel’s: Behind The Bottle.
The auction’s premier experience includes two seats on Matthew 25’s private single-barrel selection team at Green River Distilling on November 13. The winning guests will help select the barrel for Matthew 25’s exclusive 30-year commemorative bourbon bottle, created in recognition of the organization’s three decades of service. This opportunity is not available for general purchase and will be offered exclusively through the event’s silent auction.
Alongside the bourbon experience, guests will enjoy barbecue prepared by Chef What (of Henderson, Kentucky) and an hour-long performance by Evansville’s Drop Dead Darlings burlesque troupe. Roaring ’20s-inspired attire is encouraged but not required. All proceeds benefit Matthew 25 AIDS Services, a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive healthcare, testing, prevention education and support services to individuals at risk for, living with or impacted by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
