A Passion for Whiskey, A Commitment to Giving

What started as a simple exchange between friends has evolved into one of the most impactful bourbon charity events in the country. The Bourbon Bonanza brings together whiskey enthusiasts, renowned chefs, and passionate supporters to raise funds for children in need.

2015

The Beginning

Chef Sean Brock, an avid bourbon collector, sought rare bottles from Jeeps For Joy founder, Mike Jasinski.

Instead of selling the bottles, Mike asked Sean to help his charity.

Rather than a simple social media post or shout out, Sean proposed a whiskey and food event to raise money for the kids.

April 29, 2015: A Night of Southern Hospitality at Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C. raised $25,000, setting the foundation for what would become The Bourbon Bonanza Benefit.

2015-2018

Growth & Expansion

The Bonanza launched at Harrison Smith House in Bardstown, KY, partnering with Willett Distillery.

Key collaborators: hosts Newman Miller and Rachel Miller (Harrison Smith House), Drew Kulsveen (Willett), Jared Hyman and Bill Thomas (Jack Rose Dining Saloon).

Events extended to New Orleans (Barrel Proof) and the Kentucky Bourbon Affair, including a special event at Churchill Downs.

2019-2021

Hiatus & Revival

A pause in 2019 due to scheduling conflicts.

COVID-19 further delayed the event.

In 2022, Quintin Wise reignited the Bonanza by becoming an organizer and connecting the team with Tommy Patrick of The Ballard Cut in Seattle.

2022-Present

Record-Breaking Success

The 2022 & 2023 events raised more funds than the previous eight years combined.

In 2024, the Bonanza moved to Chicago, hosted by Mike Miller of Delilah's.

To date, The Bourbon Bonanza has raised more than $1.15 million for charity.

Our Mission

The Bourbon Bonanza is dedicated to blending hospitality, fine whiskey, and culinary excellence to make a lasting impact. Through our events, we bring together the bourbon community to support children's charities and create meaningful change.

Join Us

Be part of the tradition! Whether attending an event, sponsoring, or donating, your support helps us continue our mission.

Who We Benefit

Since 2015, The Bourbon Bonanza has raised and donated more than $1.15 million to various charitable organizations. Below is a breakdown of our impact by year:

2015

$25,000 – Garage Community Center (Jack Rose Event)
$16,000 – Feed America (Whiskey Pig Event)

2016

$40,000 – Feed America (Bourbon Bonanza)
$15,000 – Guthrie Opportunity Center
$5,000 – Garage Community Center

2017

$66,500 – Guthrie Opportunity Center
$17,500 – St. Baldrick's (Swamp Pig Event)
$17,500 – MD Anderson Cancer Center

2018

$70,000 – Guthrie Opportunity Center
$15,000 – MIB Agents (Swamp Pig)
$10,000 – St. Baldrick's (Swamp Pig)
$24,000 – Lee Initiative
$24,000 – Kentucky Cystic Fibrosis Society
$24,000 – Nelson County SPCA
$24,000 – AMPED Louisville

2019

$66,500 – Kentucky Bourbon Affair

2022

$120,000 – Ballard FC Foundation
$80,000 – Bethany Haven
$40,000 – Guthrie Opportunity Center
$6,000 – Garage Community Center

2023

$100,000 – Ballard FC Foundation
$80,000 – Bethany Haven
$20,000 – Guthrie Opportunity Center
$50,000 – Garage Community Center
$50,000 – Still to be donated

2024

$50,000 – Pilot Light
$40,000 – Bethany Haven
$10,000 – Guthrie Opportunity Center
$25,000 – Garage Community Center
$25,000 – Still to be donated

Our Charitable Partners

Behind Bourbon Bonanza

Willett Distillery: A Founding Partner of Bourbon Bonanza

Since the inception of Bourbon Bonanza in 2015, Willett Distillery has been an invaluable partner, helping to shape this event into the extraordinary experience it is today.

Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen and his family have been incredibly generous, providing us with exclusive access to some of the finest whiskey ever produced. These exceptional offerings are available at Bourbon Bonanza, making each event truly special for whiskey enthusiasts.

Beyond their contributions to our event lineup, Willett has also allowed us to hand-select additional barrels, which have been sold at Bourbon Bonanza events to raise funds for our cause. Additionally, they have allowed us to have a live auction item which is the rights to go to Willett and select a barrel which has been an unbelievable success for the event. Their unwavering support and dedication to the craft of bourbon-making have played a crucial role in our success

We are deeply grateful for the partnership of Willett Distillery and look forward to many more years of collaboration in celebrating the best of bourbon.

Bourbon Bonanza has been made possible by the dedication and expertise of some of the most respected names in the whiskey and hospitality industry. From the very beginning, Newman and Rachel Miller of Mr. Tubs (Bardstown, KY) and Bill Thomas of Jack Rose Dining Saloon (Washington, D.C.) have been integral to our event's success.

In 2016, we welcomed Mike Miller, owner of Delilah's Bar (Chicago, IL), as a principal member, further strengthening our team. Then, in 2022, we expanded our ranks again, bringing on Tommy Patrick of The Ballard Cut (Seattle, WA) to represent the next generation of whiskey excellence.

Together, these industry leaders have helped shape Bourbon Bonanza into an unparalleled celebration of fine whiskey.

Meet Our Partners

Mr. Tubs

Bardstown, KY

Newman & Rachel Miller

As the original hosts of Bourbon Bonanza for its first four years in Bardstown, KY, Newman and Rachel Miller set the foundation for what the event has become today. Chef Newman Miller has represented Kentucky fare on various food shows, including serving as a judge on Season 16 of Top Chef on Bravo.

Their commitment to Kentucky's culinary and whiskey heritage has been instrumental in Bourbon Bonanza's growth.

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Washington, D.C.

Bill Thomas

A true pioneer of the whiskey bar movement in America, Bill Thomas is the mastermind behind Jack Rose Dining Saloon, home to the largest whiskey collection in the Western Hemisphere.

Recognized as World's Best Spirits Selection in 2022, Jack Rose consistently ranks among the world's best bars, setting the gold standard for whiskey lovers everywhere.

Delilah's Bar

Chicago, IL

Mike Miller

For over 31 years, Mike Miller has built Delilah's Bar into an iconic whiskey destination. Named Icons of Whisky's Best Whiskey Bar in the World in 2019, Delilah's remains a cornerstone of Chicago's whiskey scene.

Mike was the gracious host of the 2024 event in the West Loop of Chicago.

The Ballard Cut

Seattle, WA

Tommy Patrick

One of the most exciting additions to Bourbon Bonanza, Tommy Patrick opened The Ballard Cut in 2020, quickly making waves in the whiskey world.

Initially focused on Japanese whiskey, the bar has expanded its reputation, earning the title of Best Whiskey Bar in the West by Whisky Advocate in 2023. Tommy hosted the Bourbon Bonanza in 2022 and 2023.

Jeeps For Joy

Wilmington, DE

Michael Jasinski

Founded in 2005, Jeeps For Joy began as a simple toy run, bringing smiles to children in need. As the organization grew, it evolved into something even greater—using the power of the bourbon community to make a lasting impact.

In 2015, Jeeps For Joy shifted its focus to hosting bourbon charity events, harnessing the generosity of whiskey enthusiasts to support meaningful causes. Since then, the organization has raised more than $1.15 million, making a significant difference in communities nationwide.

Quintin Wise

Seattle, WA

Organizer

Quintin Wise joined the Bourbon Bonanza team in 2022, bringing fresh energy and a new vision to the event. Dedicated to preserving its legacy while elevating the experience, he works closely with the event host to ensure each Bonanza delivers an unforgettable celebration of exceptional whiskey and world-class cuisine.

Under his leadership, the event continues to create a unique and immersive experience for attendees year after year.

A Legacy of Whiskey Excellence

With some of the best whiskey bars in the country participating, Bourbon Bonanza continues to be a gathering place for industry legends and enthusiasts alike. We are honored to work alongside these visionary leaders who share our passion for whiskey and community.