Maker’s Mark Bourbon launched the limited-edition “CommUNITY Batch,” a special release bourbon created exclusively to support trade and hospitality partners across the country.
A first of its kind, the unique bourbon expression was created by blending Maker’s Mark Private Selection barrels from 37 restaurants, bars and retailers across the country. It will be available at select events and opportunities across the country, with 100% of bottle proceeds benefiting The LEE Initiative in its mission to create a more diverse and equitable restaurant industry.
When the Coronavirus pandemic swept the nation, The LEE Initiative (Let’s Empower Employment) teamed up with Maker’s Mark to establish the Restaurant Workers Relief Program which supported the food and beverage community by providing more than 500,000 freshly cooked meals and much needed supplies across 19 relief kitchens nationwide.
The collaborative release of the CommUNITY Batch – a bourbon made by the community, for the community – continues the pair’s unrelenting commitment to helping the bar and restaurant community in a time of unprecedented need.
“To have the continued support of a partner like Maker’s Mark is inspiring to us, as we try to navigate this difficult time, and offer our community the means of both survival and growth,” said Edward Lee, James Beard Award winning author, restaurateur, chef and founder of the LEE Initiative. “The commitment of Maker’s Mark, and the willingness of their partners to step up and help, speaks volumes to the character of the brand and the people behind, and we are so thankful to partner with them on this incredible bourbon.”
On #GivingTuesday (Dec. 1, 2020), The LEE Initiative and Maker’s Mark will host virtual events that extend philanthropic efforts even further. Individuals aged 21 years or older who make a suggested donation towards a CommUNITY Batch bottle will be invited to join a virtual tasting hosted by Chef Lee and Maker’s Mark Director of Innovation, Jane Bowie. For every attendee who joins, Maker’s Mark will donate one meal through LEE Initiative efforts.
To create the CommUNITY Batch, Maker’s Mark tapped 37 industry partners who share their values to lend their bespoke Maker’s Mark Private Selection bourbon recipes for blending.